William A. Bartkus

WILLIAM A. BARTKUS, age 73, passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025, after a courageous battle with leukemia.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 42 years, Donna Bartkus (née Gungle); his children Erin Ortiz Blanco (Guillermo) and Brian Bartkus (Rachel); and his cherished grandchildren, Avery and Amelia. He was also a proud "dog father" to Chloe and Archie, and a loyal friend and neighbor to many.

Bill was the youngest of three siblings and was preceded in death by his parents Bruno and Agnes, sister Barbara Galuska, and brother Richard.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Bill remained a lifelong resident of the area. He graduated from Kent State University and built a successful career in business. He started his own consulting company, served in an executive role at BP, and eventually retired at age 56 from TravelCenters of America.

Retirement marked the beginning of a new chapter. Bill pursued his passion for real estate, founding Prizm Property Group and flipping houses alongside his son, Brian. He also became the proud owner of property in Kent, Ohio, creating quality housing for others while maintaining a strong connection to the Kent community. These ventures allowed him not only to stay active and creative but to build something lasting for future generations. This next phase of life also allowed him to fulfill two of his greatest dreams.

Lake Chautauqua, in western New York, held a special place in his heart. Prior to retirement, he made good on his dream of owning a home on a lake. The lake house was Bill's passion project and his heart and soul for the last 25 years. He spent a great amount of time year-round at the lake house making it into the home of his dreams. This last summer, he had the joy of spending time there surrounded by family, enjoying boat rides, watching his grandkids learn how to fish off the dock, sitting around the fire circle at night-feeling grateful for everything he worked so hard to build.

Bill's lifelong dream was realized in 2007, when he purchased a home on Hilton Head Island, a place where he built a foundation of memories with his wife and children. Bringing that vision to life, Bill and Donna, side by side, worked to make the beach house a home, a cherished retreat for his family and so many others.

Bill was a lifelong Cleveland sports fan-ever loyal, and steadfast even during the toughest seasons. Whether it was the Browns, Indians (yes, Indians), or Cavaliers, he wore his team colors with pride and hope. His optimism never wavered-even when heartbreak was routine-and he was always ready to say, "Next year is our year." For Bill, Cleveland sports weren't just entertainment-they were a source of connection to his home town.

Bill also had a deep love for travel, especially with his wife, Donna. One of their most meaningful adventures took them to Europe, where they spent several weeks tracing his Lithuanian roots-an effort years in the making after extensive research and discoveries through Ancestry.

He took great pride in seeing both of his children grow into adulthood, find and marry their significant others, and begin families of their own. One of his greatest joys was seeing his grandchildren born and watching them grow, always present with love, encouragement, and pride.

Above all, he will be remembered as a smart, caring, hardworking, and selfless man who always put others before himself. There will always be a void that will never be filled or forgotten. We lost a great man, all too soon.

To celebrate his life and legacy, Donna, Erin, and Brian invite family, friends, and all who knew him to a CELEBRATION OF LIFE AT: MICHAEL ANGELO'S WINERY – THE VINEYARD ROOM 5515 BROADVIEW ROAD RICHFIELD, OH 44286 TUESDAY, AUGUST 12TH 2025 FROM 5:30 – 8:30 P.M.