John passed away peacefully, at age 97, surrounded in his final days by family, friends, and wonderful caregivers.
He was born in Oakland, California, the only child of Mary and John “Bart” Bartolero. He spent his early years living in Berkeley with his parents and his Uncle Bill and often traveled to Livermore to visit his mother Mary’s family ranch.
John attended St. Mary’s Elementary and High school in Berkeley. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army Air Force serving from 1943-46 and loved telling stories about his flying experiences.
After the war John attended St. Mary’s college on the GI Bill where he met many lifelong friends and came to know Richard and Phillip Siggins. It was at a college dance in Moraga California, that the Siggins brothers introduced their “younger” sister, Patsy, to John. John was famous for swinging the ladies around the dance floor; Patsy was swept off her feet and after a short courtship they were married in 1950.
John and Patsy had an active social life and spent the early years of their marriage entertaining and being entertained by neighbors on Camino Colorados in Lafayette. In 1970 they moved to Moraga where John lived until early 2020.
John worked at many jobs. He worked on an assembly line, sold personal oxygen tanks, inspected fruit in San Francisco with his father-in-law and was a successful auto salesman. He finally found his calling selling insurance for New York Life where he worked for over 40 years. It was a good fit for him, allowing him to take advantage of his love of people and socializing. It also gave him the satisfaction of selling people financial security and some peace of mind.
While he was always very practical, he had a generous spirit which he inherited from his mother Mary. During the 1970s they worked side by side every Friday serving food to those in need at St. Vincent de Paul’s in Oakland. He was a devoted son who cared for his mother after the death of his father in 1965. He was a steady presence to his children. Being a consistent source of support and caring.
He was an avid tennis player and spent decades playing at Round Hill tennis court. He continued playing well into his 80’s and often complained that he couldn’t find partners his own age. He was a committed St. Mary’s alumnus, and tried never to miss a President’s Dinner, fundraiser or wine tasting. He was an avid Saint Mary’s sports fan and attended Gael’s basketball games into his 90s until he could no longer walk up the stairs of the bleachers.
John and Patsy loved to travel and had adventures in Europe and Mexico, took cruises, and chased the fall colors in New England and Canada along with yearly trips to Tahoe with family and friends, most often the McCarthy and Markling clans.
John was a happy man and touched many people throughout his life. He had an easy laugh, loved to socialize and was always up for adventures. His welcoming spirit is remembered by many for gatherings at his home both big and small. At his table the discussions were often about his favorite topics, religion and politics. It may very well have been the ire that he felt toward the previous president that kept him alive, at least long enough to vote in the 2020 election.
He looked back on his life with Patsy with contentment and always had fond and loving memories of their life together. His final days were spent peacefully with precious visits from family and friends. He was often heard saying, “I’ve had a good life, I can’t complain…”
He is survived by his children John, Tom, and Terri, son in-law Dag MacLeod, grandchildren Hanna Feral-Bartolero, Juan José and Marco MacLeod.
Service Information:
Friday, April 29, 2022
1:00
Queen of Heaven Cemetery
1965 Reliez Valley Rd
Lafayette, CA 94549
Celebration to follow at the Bartolero family home in Moraga
