Gerald F Bartholomew

Gerald (Gerry) Francis Bartholomew, Sr. died peacefully on April 17th after being ill for the past several months. He was born on August 29, 1929 to Leon and Elizabeth (O'Loughlin) Bartholomew in Worcester, MA. He is pre-deceased by his true love and wife of 55 years, Ruth Ann (Carelli), his beloved grandson Bartholomew Gerald Falvey and his brother Leon Bartholomew Jr. He moved from Worcester to Shrewsbury at a very young age and was educated there, graduating from Beal High School in 1947. Upon graduation he was employed by Kennedy's, Inc. in Worcester and then Springfield, MA. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1951, serving in the Korean War, honorably discharged in 1955. In 1956 he went to work for Wyman Gordon Company in Worcester and retired after 34 years in 1990 as a Forge Shop Metallurgist. Gerry is survived by daughters Beth of Shrewsbury, Gayle Falvey and husband William of Shrewsbury, Sons Gerald Jr. and wife Gloria of Auburn, Neil of Ponte Vedra, FL., Paul and wife Karen of Thompson, CT, and Jon and wife Dawn of Chicago, IL. He had seven grandchildren: Justin, Alicia, Jennifer, Ryan, Fiona and Brit Bartholomew and Catherine Falvey. Brothers Robert and wife Betty of Lancaster, MA, Richard and wife Jean of North Branford, CT, David and wife Mary of Compton, NH, Michael and wife Karen of Washington, DC., Sister Nancy Forhan and husband Martin of Worcester and many nieces and nephews. He enjoyed sports, playing many as a youth and raising his family to enjoy them as well. His true love was golf which he played for most of his life - starting as a caddy at Worcester Country Club and competing in many amateur tournaments and eventually teaching golf as well. He managed to maintain a single digit handicap for most of his life and in 1959 was the Telegram and Gazette hole-in-one champion. He coached Little League for many years to support his sons, and was a devoted member of St. Joan of Arc Church for over 50 years - dedicating his time as a lector and volunteer. More than anything, Gerry loved his family and watching his grandchildren flourish. He was deeply loved and will be truly missed by his family and friends. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Monday, April 21st from 4 pm to 7 pm for calling hours in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & Chapel, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Tuesday, April 22nd from the funeral home with a Mass at 11:00AM at St Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln St., Burial will follow in St John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joan of Arc Church , 570 Lincoln St. The Bartholomew family would like to thank the staff and residents of Christopher Heights for the wonderful support, care and companionship he received for the past two years. To leave a message of Condolence or share a special memory of Gerald please visit his memorial site at (mercadantefuneral.com)