William Joseph Bartolomei, Jr

William Joseph Bartolomei, Jr., (Bart) born on June 4, 1935, left this world peacefully on March 31, 2026, at Harrington Hospital in Southbridge, MA. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, William's life was a tapestry woven with dedication, warmth, and joy that touched all who knew him.

William was a born salesman, a craft he honed as a Sales Representative for Penn State Textile. With an infectious enthusiasm for his work, he transformed his Northeast territory into a beacon of success. His prowess in sales was a source of immense pride, reflecting his relentless dedication and his genuine love for the people he served. Beyond the boardroom, William was a man of faith, always attentive to giving back to his church and community, cultivating a spirit of kindness that was as enduring as it was sincere.

As a family man, William was extraordinary. His profound love for his wife of 43 years, Joyce Bartolomei, illuminated their shared journey through life. Together, they built a loving home where daughter , Rachel Bartolomei, and son Ryan Bartolomei were raised with great care and wisdom .He had two daughters from a prior marriage as well, Angela Becker and Mary Rubin. He never missed an opportunity to remind his children how proud he was of them—a testament to his unwavering support and boundless affection. The warmth extended to his grandchildren Keira, Natalie, Chase, Heather, Lila, and Cole, who cherished him for his gentle spirit and spirited stories.

William’s storytelling was as rich as the life he lived. He delighted in recounting moments from the past—the day World War II ended, tales from a time before modern technology—captivating listeners with his vivid memories. Those moments of sharing were often accompanied by the comforting sizzle of pancakes on the griddle, for William was the undisputed master of pancake making. His recipe remains a family treasure, unmatched in taste and heartfelt tradition.

His personality sparkled with humor and warmth; a man who had a gift for making anyone, stranger or friend, feel instantly at ease. It was at his beloved Dunkin Donuts where William made countless friendships, engaging with a welcoming smile and genuine interest. This kindness, coupled with a personable and funny nature, made him a cherished presence in many lives.

William’s younger days were filled with spirited activity. He enjoyed bowling, golf, and visits to the gym, embracing each challenge with enthusiasm. As time flowed on, his passions gently evolved to long nature walks, playing the piano to soothe and entertain, and spending sun-drenched summers at his summer home at Misquamicut Beach in Rhode Island. There, he would swim in the ocean well into October, a testament to his enduring love of life and nature. He built two houses in Sturbridge , the  one in Westerly , RI  and one in Auburn which was his favorite...a log home. Cruises with Joyce to Bermuda primarily and beachfront afternoons painted a life rich in simple pleasures and deep contentment. 

He served nearly one year in the United States Army.

William’s family legacy is supported and carried forward by his surviving relatives: his ever-loving wife Joyce; his daughters Angela Becker, Mary Rubin, Rachel Bartolomei; his son Ryan Bartolomei; grandchildren Keira, Natalie, Chase, Heather, Lila, and Cole; his sister Claire; and brothers Ed and Brian. They bear the precious memory of a man whose faith, familial devotion, and friendliness shaped their lives indelibly.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents Clara and William Bartolomei Sr., and sisters Jeanne, Rose, and Theresa, whose memories he honored with affection and love.

William Joseph Bartolomei, Jr. was a man who gave his whole heart to family, faith, and friendship. He taught those around him the value of presence, pride, and joy in everyday moments. As we remember him, we hold close his stories, his laughter, and his steadfast love—an everlasting light that will continue to warm the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.