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George Barthalmus Obituary
Raleigh
Dr. George T. Barthalmus, beloved husband of Marina Terneus, died unexpectedly early May 12.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his mother, Mary Barthalmus, of New Smyrna Beach, FL., his daughter Nicole Story and husband Stuart and their two children, Jayden and Luca of Charlotte, and sister Dr. Katherine Pryzwansky and husband Walt of Chapel Hill, NC.
Born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, he received a BS in Biology and Education at Bloomsburg University, and a MS and PhD in Zoology at Pennsylvania State University. He was employed at NC State University in Raleigh for forty years. As Professor of Zoology and Distinguished Alumni Undergraduate Professor, he retired in 2001 while Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. In his career, he taught over 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students and was the recipient of several teaching awards. He returned to NCSU several years ago and held the position of Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. He is the author of many publications in his research field and recently wrote three novels.
A Celebration of George's life will take place Sunday May 15 from 2 pm – 4 pm at NCSU McKinnon Center, Western Blvd., Raleigh. Colorful, casual dress.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the George and Marina T. Barthalmus Scholarship Endowment within the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at NC State University— http://harvest.cals.ncsu.edu/advancement/index.cfm?pageID=5361 Mail address: NC Agricultural Foundation, Inc. NCSU Campus Box 7645, Raleigh, NC 27695
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Barthalmus
Tassos koumouzelis
May 18, 2011
Marina,
Just found out about George. I'm so sorry
words cannot describe my sorrow. we will be yours when you need us
Pat Keenan
May 18, 2011
Marina, I'm so sorry for your loss. Debbie let me know what happened. I was attending my Uncle's funeral in Minneapolis on Monday and just returned home. Please know you and George are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care...
May 17, 2011
Timmy was a great guy and loved by all -we graduated together class of 1960 in Hazleton we all were in the same group that stuck together along with Pinky and Ronny- Iam so very sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and your family.
Joan (Martine) Madaffari
Brooke Ashley
May 16, 2011
George was a true gift to NCSU. I was inspired and energized by his tremendous dedication to students and his ability to help them realize their potential as scholars and citizens.
May 16, 2011
To the Barthalmus family,
I am saddened by the sudden loss of George Barthalmus from the NCSU family. We worked together over the years in CALS and on Sigma Xi events. He was an inspiration for undergraduate researchers. We plan to continue his legacy and fund undergraduate researchers to explore the globe.
Jean Ristaino, Plant Pathology
May 16, 2011
To the family,
losing a love one is a very sad and difficult thing.But know this God will give you the needed strength to deal with this loss. My prayers will be with you all at this time.Please find comfort in knowing that God is with you all.
Bob & Bonnie Dymowski
May 14, 2011
Marina, Mary, Kathy, Walt, and the rest of your family, we send our deepest sympathies and our prayers of support and strength. We were shocked to learn of George's death, and can't imagine the pain that you all felt. He was a great guy in every way, full of enthusiasm and a zest for life. We will remember the many good times we shared with him and all of you at the Southeaster.
Bill Zieinski
May 14, 2011
We're stunned and saddened. What a life force was George and what a loss to all of us, but especially to you Marina. We are so sorry and you are in our thoughts. We are so glad that we had that wonderful visit last year. We also have many great memories that George created for us over the years. George was such a guiding force in our lives when we were graduate students in the 1980s. Can't think of too many others that were so influential and so compassionate. We will miss him.
All our love,
Bill and Melissa Zielinski
Heidi Perreault
May 14, 2011
An absolute gem, who encouraged us to 'pay it forward'. He was the one who 'sold' me on NC State and I could not have made a better decision. I'm deeply saddened by his passing and my thoughts are with you Marina, during this very difficult time.
Donna & Michael Douglas
May 14, 2011
Marina, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Russ Gerald
May 14, 2011
Marina, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved him from all the conversations we had over the years so I truly understand the pain you must be going through. I'm very close if you need anything, so please do not hesitate to call me. Please know you and George are in my prayers.
John Vandenbergh
May 14, 2011
Dear Marina,
George was one of the mainstays of our department during my years as head of Zoology, now Biology. His dedication to his students and to his scientific interests was a model of what a professor should be. He continued on his career path working to improve the undergraduate programs at the college and university levels with great success. We will all miss George but, those that will miss him most, are the students who will not benefit from his talents in the future. Fortunately the legacy he leaves will continue on.
I regret that I will not be able to attend the memorial but please know that he will remain a bright light in my memory.
John Vandenbergh, May 14, 2011
Randy Jackson
May 14, 2011
One of the very best people I've ever known. That I was able to enjoy a friendship with him enriched my time at NCSU beyond any words I know. Marina - my thoughts and love are with you.
Sam Zeveloff
May 13, 2011
George was a wonderful man. I was a graduate student at NCSU in the 70's; he was always approachable and kind. He was someone who cared about others - you could just tell. My condolences to the family.
Karen Wilson
May 13, 2011
I feel honored to have shared part of my life with George... even though it was many years ago...He was an awesome teacher and friend
Jimmie Overton
May 13, 2011
George taught my first Biology course at State and as I continued there through undergraduate and graduate school, I was honered to know a teacher who was there to teach. He was a very special person. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Tom Miller
May 13, 2011
George was a wonderful colleague who truly cared about the students whose lives he touched. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. My heart goes out to his family and the many students who, I'm sure, looked to him as a second father.
Retta Clemons
May 13, 2011
Dr. Barthalmus possessed a spiritual kindness that radiated. He had a gentle, caring demeanor that instantly let you know that he valued you as a person, as a fellow human being and as a co-worker. Somehow, you just knew that you must bring your 'A' game when working with Dr. Barthalmus because he was surely going to have his 'A' game with him. . He produced top quality results and inspired top quality from others. I respected and admired Dr. Barthalmus. It's sad to realize that we won't get to enjoy his physical presence on campus, but is comforting to remember him with a smile--knowing what a positive impact he had at NC State.
Dianne Reid
May 13, 2011
George was a great mentor and friend. He always encouraged me to greater things and inspired me with his love of life, great food, and learning. My heart goes out to Marina and his family.
Kent Guion
May 13, 2011
Dr. Barthalamus inspired, taught, mentored, cared for and brought joy to thousands. A special and incredible gift that was shared with others 24/7. My four years with him as a lab assistant shaped my future in so many positive ways and I will forever be grateful. I'm tearful but smiling because every memory I have of our time together was uplifting and enriching.
To the family, I pray you find these words and the love of friends a small comfort to your sadness.
Kent Guion NCSU '83
Lynn Waller Fegley
May 13, 2011
I had the honor of sharing lots of laughter with George during my days as a Grad student at NCSU. He was a rare individual possessing great intellect, wit, humility and kindness. George's memory will live long in the heart's of many -the legacy of life well lived.
Much love and deepest sympathies to the Barthlamus Family.
Tina & Henry Kirby
May 13, 2011
We only knew George as a neighbor at Topsail Beach and will forever miss his smile and greetings every time he passed our house in his beloved boat. Marina and family: you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris Brown
May 13, 2011
A more dedicated mentor to students would be hard to find. I had the privelege of working with George in his program with undergraduate research at NC State University and across the state of North Carolina. His always positive attitude was an inspiration to me as it was to many others I am sure. I will miss him.
Katie Youngs
May 13, 2011
I never told George, but he was a great mentor and a big reason why I continued onto graduate school. I never told him I got into NC State Department of Entomology. I want to thank him for all of his help, advice, and encouragement. I was so very sad when I heard, I cried a bit, mostly because I never told him how important he was to me and where I am now, and how much I appreciate his help. Thank You George you are a great man. Everyone misses you, but heaven is plus one and shining down on us. My condolences to Marina and the mother.
Jeannette Moore
May 13, 2011
Hearing of George's passing was like a cloud crossing in front of the sun. After being sad all day, I realized George would much prefer that we remember the great times with him. His thoughts and inspiration live on: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~gbarthal/personal.html ... I will miss George, but he will always be a part of me because of his influence and the inspiration he provided. Most of all, I'll remember his excellent attitude and his zest for life.
Sam James
May 13, 2011
Marina, my prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. Understanding what you are now going through and will continue to have deal with for some time to come, I'll keep you in my daily prayers. Call anytime if you want.
May 13, 2011
I will truly miss George's presence here at NCSU. His bright smile, sincere gracious nature, and bright friendly spirit will never be forgotten. He was a wonderful friend and I have been blessed to have known him. Debbie Ort, New Hill, NC
Katie Perry
May 13, 2011
George was the epitome of happiness. He was so full of whatever he was doing! I feel so fortunate to have known and worked with him here at NC State. George truly was one of a kind. I know he's in a wonderful place. My prayers are with Marina and their family as I can't imagine the pain of this sudden loss and how hard it will be to adjust to life without George. I hope that having been so blessed to have him in your life will help soften that it was for too short a time. His legacy lives on in so many ways and in so many people!
Sincerely,
Charlotte Farin
May 13, 2011
George was a wonderful person. His energy and enthusiasm were always infectious...that great smile and unique head of hair will always bring back enjoyable memories. It was so apparent that he truly cared about every person...colleague or student...with whom he worked. His zest for life and his warmth for others will be sorely missed. My sincerest condolences to his wife and family.
Anne Porter
May 13, 2011
A North Carolina State University legend, and a treasured friend, whose amazing life was taken from us too soon . We thank God for the blessing of knowing and working with this wonderful man. He will be missed by us all.
Anita Flick
May 13, 2011
This university has suffered a great loss as have our students. George for so many was a symbol of this university's past, present and future
For me, like so many other NCSU alumni, he was an instrumental force in inspiring us and giving us the confidence to reach for the stars - having worked in his UG research laboratory for 3 years while at NCSU - George was one of the key factors in not only my decision to become an MD but to explore my research interests in a PhD program and was key in recruiting me to return to the university to help guide future health care professionals
He mentored past alumni as he did with present students - creating avenues for them to not only acquire research experience but to empower them to reach for their dreams - that will in turn be part of our future
Future students who will be a part of our university because of interactions with present and past students enriched by George's guidance!
He was one of the most positive and uplifting spirits I have ever encountered not only in teaching and research BUT IN LIFE - a lesson and a memory of him I will cherish forever
My thoughts and prayers are with his family through this time and I want them to know what a very special gem he was to all!
May 13, 2011
Marina, my heart goes out to you and the family. Dr. Barthalmus was a great guy and truly loved by many. As it has already been said by many--he will be missed! May God give you and the family the peace and comfort you need at this time and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Faye Koonce
Bill
May 13, 2011
One of my all time favorites at NCSU. What great passion he brought to the classroom. He inspired. He was special.
Bill
Cary
Keith Oakley
May 13, 2011
Dr. B. was one of the most caring and gracious people I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with. The thousands of students and people he impacted will sorely miss his sense of humor and wonderful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Keith Oakley, NCSU
Mary Crowe
May 13, 2011
I will really miss George. Wonderful colleague brought a smile to my face every time we talked on the phone or in person. Did so much for so many. The undergraduate research community here in NC will miss his advocacy and direction.
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