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Bryan Bartlett Obituary

Bryan Paul Bartlett

This is a difficult message to convey, because so many remember him and he touched so many lives at Hermitage High School, in Richmond and in the world. Bryan Paul Bartlett, of Henrico, VA, passed away Saturday, June 21, 2025 at his family home in Valentine Hills, in Laurel.

He was my crazy, silly, beautiful, and loving brother always and I vowed to care for him after his stroke in 2012. With the help of good nurses and the care of the best nurse, Cathi Brooks, Paul had a good life even though he was limited after the stroke.

Paul is survived by his sister, Karen B. Martin, of Henrico. He leaves to mourn him those who knew him, and especially Cathi. He was predeceased by his father, Bryan O. Bartlett, Jr.; and his mother, Pauline G. Bartlett. His beloved partner, Jacquelyn Vunck, passed in 2011, after a lengthy illness during which Paul worked hard to comfort and provide for her. He also was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Keith Martin, who also was an amazing supporter for his care.

Paul was a student athlete and scholar/leader. He was a Tri-Captain for the Hermitage football and track teams, class of 1973. He was voted "most school spirited" and given the "I dare you" award for a promise that Paul would impact the world. Paul went on to be an athlete there and receive his BS in Biology at Bridgewater College. He also received his cum laude Masters in Divinity Social Work and Counseling degree from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA.

He worked for many years in the family business, Bartlett Business Supply in Richmond. He went on to work at St. Joseph's Villa and Barrett Learning Center-helping with the students of this area. A strong and faithful Christian, he helped many with his faith and understanding of struggles and disappointment. He traveled the world, but especially cherished his mission trip across the United States in his VW van to spread His word and on his trips to Belize to build churches and homes.

Visitation will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, June, 30, 2025. Services will be held at St. Mary's at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 1, 2025 followed by committal at Forest Lawn Cemetery at 3 p.m.

Pray for us as we go forward without this kind and beautiful soul to lift our spirits. We will miss his smile and his happy countenance. He is released from the bed and the wheelchair and can soar to the Heavens now, on eagle's wings. He is in Heaven now. Fishing. With Mom and Dad.
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jun. 28, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Debbie Bowie

July 2, 2025

Paul was a very special friend of my husband, Bob and I for a number of years in the 1990s. He was such fun, had a kind and tender heart, and such a pleasure to spend time with. We adopted our beloved Mama dog from him. She's shown up as a stray on his property. When my husband and I were in a motorcycle accident, I turned to Paul for support when Bob was hospitalized for many weeks. He was a little out of his element dealing with a very emotional female, but he hung in, making himself available when I needed him. He was like family to us. He was like a little brother to me. The world was a better place with Paul in it. Note: I have many more photos of Paul, but wasn't able to upload them here. I am happy to send them to family if they are wanted.

Dusty Rhodes

June 29, 2025

Hi Karen, thank you for the beautiful tribute to your brother Paul. I have been asking about him for many years at every Bridgewater College homecoming weekend I attended. No one could ever tell me what happened to him. To now learn of your loss of him only a week ago makes me feel sad for you and for me. Living only two hours away I feel like I just missed seeing him finally. But I was so grateful to read the kind of life he lived and enjoyed you wrote about. My search for him is over. More importantly, his life of challenges and longings is over, but with great rewards for the kind of life he chose to live. I have been a follower of Jesus all these decades, owing much of it to Paul who befriended me in those early spiritual stages. I won´t stop thinking of him...I haven´t stopped anyway since my college days. I´m so glad to finally know where he is.
-Dusty Rhodes

Ernie Brooks

June 29, 2025

Condolences to the Bartlett family. Sorry to hear of Paul´s passing. Good to hear he lived quite a life. Paul was a great friend in high school. Just an all around good guy.

Jeannie Millet

June 29, 2025

Hi Karen, this is Jeannie Miller and I thought the world of Paul; we graduated together from Bridgewater in 1977 and Joan Macallister Eberly sent me this message. I loved Paul and I loved to Spirit and his heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Pam Ebbert

June 28, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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Memorial Events
for Bryan Bartlett

Jun

30

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

St. Mary Catholic Church

9505 Gayton Road, Richmond, VA 23229

Jul

1

Funeral service

12:30 p.m.

St. Mary Catholic Church

9505 Gayton Road, Richmond, VA 23229

Jul

1

Committal

3:00 p.m.

Forest Lawn Cemetery

4000 Pilots Lane, Richmond, VA 23222

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