Thomas H. Bartlett

Our dad, Thomas H. Bartlett of Sarasota passed away peacefully on March 7, 2023. He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Marion Bartlett, his sister Mary Jane Sauers, his brother Richard, his wife of 45 years, Ida, and his wife of 14 years, Eileen. He is survived by his children Michael (JoAnn), Barbara, Charlie (Theresa), Sally Kuttesch (Martin), Peter (Paula) and his grandchildren Michael Bartlett (Nathalie), Katie Love (McGregor), Jessica Strasser (Jason), Mallory Byrnes (Brian), Paul Barnhart (Kaitlin) and Linda Barnhart, and many nieces and nephews. Born in Oak Park, Illinois, Tom graduated from Oak Park High School and then joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served as an aviation machinist on the island of Saipan in the Philippine Sea. Following the war, Tom went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Illinois. After a successful career in the automotive industry, Tom moved Ida and the family to Sarasota in 1970. For the next 25 years they worked side by side (along with any children who happened to be available) as the owners of Siesta Village Texaco and Budget Rent a Car of Siesta Key. Well-liked and well-respected in the Siesta Key community, Tom was a true people person who rarely forgot a name or a face and always had a smile and a kind word. The Texaco station was a fixture in Siesta Village and the site of many friendships, many laughs, more than a few practical jokes, and great service as well. He was an avid golfer and a charter member of Misty Creek Country Club. Tom also loyally (and religiously) served as an usher at the 7:30 Mass each Sunday at Incarnation Church for nearly 50 years. Tom’s greatest love and legacy was his family. Dad, we have so many happy memories and are so very grateful for the gifts you have given us. You passed on your love of God, of life, of people, and of knowledge. You taught us the value of hard work, perseverance, integrity, family and humor. We thank you, Dad. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of the Incarnation on Saturday, March 11 at 1:00pm with interment immediately following at Sarasota Memorial Park. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Venice, Florida or the Wounded Warriors Project.

Tributes

Thomas H. Bartlett

March 7, 2023