Chief Warrant Officer
Auburn – John “Gary” Bartlett, age 83, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Andwell Health Partners in Auburn with his loving wife, Linda, by his side. Gary was born on July 13, 1941, in Rumford, Maine, the son of Kenneth and Rose (Richard) Bartlett. He was raised in Saco and graduated from Thornton Academy in the class of 1960. He joined the United States Navy, proudly served his country, and retired after 30 years with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. After retirement from the Navy in 1989, he worked as the Facilities Manager for the Androscoggin Head Start. He then worked as a substitute teacher for Buckfield High School and Oxford Hills High School.
Gary loved to play golf. He was a Paris Hill Country Club member and played daily with family and friends. He was always available to offer helpful advice to help improve your game, and it usually worked! With his faithful companion, Buddy, they were a familiar sight walking Paris Hill Country Club almost every day.
Gary and Linda lived full-time in a motorhome for 10 years visiting family and friends, playing lots of golf while traveling much of the United States. Gary made friends easily wherever he went, and if you were lucky enough to be one of them, he would always be there for you. With a twinkle in his eye, he always had a sarcastic remark for you to make you laugh. Gary also offered his loved ones quiet encouragement and support in all their endeavors and instilled in them his firm belief that all would be well. His humor and pragmatic optimism will be sorely missed.
Gary thoroughly enjoyed substitute teaching, and it’s obvious how much the schools loved him and his unique outlook on life. During his final days, the school community, which he loved, sent many inspirational texts. Reading those texts to him during his final days on earth made him feel so loved, which made his passing even more peaceful. The students, staff, and all the sporting events he enthusiastically attended, along with his walks with Buddy and his beloved wife, made the last five years of his life some of his happiest.
He was predeceased by his brothers Richard “Dick”, Robert “Bob”, and George “Keith” Bartlett and his sisters Patricia Shorey and Jenneth Cote.
He is survived by his wife Linda Bartlett, children Christine Petrarca (John), May Jacobs, John Bartlett, stepchildren Christine Wray (Andrew), Garrett McCafferty (Kim), and sister Bonnie Dussault.
He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Jacob, Emily, Haley, Kelly, Trey, Veda, Nolan, Ava, Brynn, and Carter.
In keeping with Gary’s wishes, all services are at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to, may make a donation in Gary’s memory to Andwell Health Partners, 15 Strawberry Ave, Lewiston, ME, 04240. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 45 Main St, South Paris. To make an online condolence, please visit www.chandlerfunerals.com
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