WATERTOWN, NY — Thomas E. Bartelson, 80, Watertown, passed away Aug. 21, 2024, at Samaritan Medical Center, with his family by his side.
Tom was born June 30, 1944, in Watertown, son of Joseph and Frances (Sheitz) Bartelson. In 1964, he graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy.
He married his beloved wife Mary Ann Biondolillo on Oct. 5, 1968, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church.
Tom retired from Renzi Food Service, previously he was employed with Empsall’s Department Store and FW Woolworth.
Tom was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Church. He spent years as one of St. Patrick’s School’s most active volunteers. He spearheaded a variety of fundraising efforts, coached boys and girls basketball, and gave every fiber of his being for the betterment of St. Patrick’s Parish.
Tom was very active in the North Country Goes Green Irish Festival. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed as he was named Grand Marshall of the 2024 Irish Festival. He wore his sash and carried his Shillelagh like a badge of honor.
Tom’s hobbies included spending time with his family, going to the Crystal, long drives, Notre Dame football, Yankees baseball, and being proud of his grandchildren.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Ann, two daughters Kristin (Michael) Lacognato, Granger, IN, Amy (Christopher) Rathbun, Watertown, NY, a son, Matthew Bartelson, Syracuse, NY, five grandchildren, Maya Lacognato, Ty Lacognato, Benjamin Rathbun, Jack Rathbun and Ella Rathbun, two sisters-in-law, Nancy Biondolillo, Watertown, NY, Janet (Craig) Augustus, Watertown, NY, several, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Tom’s parents, Joseph and Frances Bartelson, and a sister, Joan Ann Croteau, all died before him.
We’d like to send a special thanks and give our heartfelt gratitude to everyone at the Walker Cancer Treatment Center where they treated him like royalty and gave him comfort during his illness.
Calling hours will be 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A prayer service will be held 10:15 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26, at the funeral home, followed by an 11 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Church. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the Watertown Goes Green Irish Festival, PO Box 6143, Watertown, NY 13601.
