NORWICH – Gerald H. (Jerry) Bartlett, 71, of Madeira Beach, FL, passed away Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009 at his home.
Born April 2, 1938 in Norwich, Jerry was the son of John and Helen (Salisbury) Bartlett. On July 4, 1987 in Oneonta, he married Loretta (Lorry) Marvin Webb, who survives.
Jerry was a member of the class of ‘56 at the Norwich High School in Norwich. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in August of 1956 and was honorably discharged in August of 1960. During that period of time he was dispatched to Lebanon as part of CASF BRAVO operation with the 837th Air Division. Jerry was also crew chief on operation Sun Run which then held the air speed record for the Air Force. In August 1960, he enlisted in the USAF Reserves and was honorably discharged in August of 1962.
Jerry was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Norwich and was a faithful communicant of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Madeira Beach, FL. He was an avid stock car enthusiast. Jerry drove in and won numerous events at Freeport, Islip and Riverhead Speedways on Long Island. Jerry drove in the Nascar Northern Modified Division during the late 70s and early 80s. Jerry took great pride in being a big part of his grandson Brandon’s carting championship in 2007 with Tri City Kart Club. Racing was one of his biggest passions!
Jerry owned and operated Guardian Ambulance Service and American Medical Supply in Freeport, LI, as well as Orlando Ambulance Service and Nassau Ambulance Service, also located on the island, before moving to Madeira Beach in 1990.
He purchased Red Line Limo which he operated with his son, Patrick, from 1991 to 1999 when the company was purchased by Super Shuttle USA.
Jerry was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend to all who knew him. He was known for his kindness and generosity and had an incredible work ethic. He had a great love for God, his wife and all of his family and friends. His wonderful sense of humor sustained him and all of us, even though the final days of his difficult illness. He will be greatly missed by us all.
Jerry is survived by his wife Lorry of Madeira Beach, FL, his children, Patrick Bartlett and wife Annette of Seminole, Fl, Brenda Hodgins and husband Dan of Land O’Lakes, FL, Michele Bartlett of Bethpage, NY and Diana Marlow and husband Andy of East Northport, NY, his sister Mary Lou York and husband Bill of Orlando, FL and his brother John (Larry) Bartlett and wife Nancy of Essex Junction, VT. Also surviving are his step-children Kim Costello and husband Franco of St. Petersburg, FL, Jason Webb of Warwick, RI; and his 14 grandchildren, Brandon, Ryan and Corey Bartlett of Largo, FL, Kaitlyn, Nicole and Cody Hodgins of Land O’Lakes, FL, Jack, Matthew and Nicholas Marlow of East Northport, NY, Ashlee, Autumn and Alice Cooper of St. Petersburg, FL and Tyler and Chelsea Webb of RI..
Prayer services for Jerry were held on Saturday, Nov. 14, at noon from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Ralph Bove, Pastor of St. Paul’s and St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church’s officiated. Many of Jerry’s family members and friends offered words of remembrance of his life.
Interment with full military rites followed in Mt. Hope Cemetery with Rev. Bove offering the committal prayers. The military rites were provided by members of local veterans organizations all under the direction of Commander Harold Funke. Members of the Color Guard were John Greeley, Don Dibble, Warren Stone and Chris Carpenter. Members of the Firing Squad were Don LaFever, Bruce Wright and Joe Ostroski. Flag detail members were John Greeley and Harold Funke with Mr. Greeley presenting the flag to Jerry’s widow Lorry Bartlett. Bugler for the service was Harold Funke.
Those who wish may contribute to the Tampa Bay Affiliate Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. National Headquarters (877) 272-6226, www.pancan.org Memorial donations may also be made to The Make a Wish Foundation, www.wish.org and Suncoast Hospice, www.the hospice.org.