David BartleyFairfax - David Bartley, 52, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2014 at his home in Fairfax surrounded by his loving family. David was born in Japan on July 1, 1962 son of George and Rosemary (Vining) Bartley. David was proud to have served in the Vermont Air National Guard for 28 years and with the US Air Force during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He had been a dedicated serviceman and fireman his entire life having served with the Essex Town Fire Department, Fairfax Fire Department, Burlington International Fire Department (VTANG), as well as a member of Fairfax Rescue. David was also the proprietor of Bartley Property Management in his spare time. David had a contagious spirit and could always be found with a smile on his face and a sense of humor like no other. Above all, he was a dedicated husband, father, son and brother.
David was a fierce friend, always willing to pitch in and help others, and deeply devoted to his family. A self-proclaimed “simple fireman”, David enjoyed camping at Lewey Lake in New York with his family, playing outfield for the VTANG softball team, hoisting a couple of cold ones with friends at the Pearl Street Pub, puttering around in his yard while listening to the Yankees on a scratchy old radio, and stubbornly rooting for the Dallas Cowboys with a Labatts in his hand, despite clear and present evidence that they were vastly inferior to the New England Patriots. But his happiest moments were spent taking his beloved daughter Elizabeth (“My Little Girl”) for walks, building towers out of blocks, and having her sit between him and his wife on the couch eating popcorn and watching movies (and sneaking ice cream!). David will be remembered forever for his infectious smile and generous nature. We are all the better for having known him. David will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
He is survived by his loving wife Kristen (Fisher) Bartley and their daughter Elizabeth Rose Bartley of Fairfax; his son Jeffrey Bartley, wife Elizabeth, and her daughter Rachel all of Colchester; Step-son Brett Gennero, wife Olivia and their daughter Rosalina all of Northfield; Step-daughter Lauren Greig of Fairfax; his parents George and Rosemary Bartley of FL; Paternal Grandmother Barbara Bartley of NY; his sisters Michelle Bartley-Taylor and husband John of MI; Joanne Filpo and husband Giovanni of RI; several aunts & uncles including Dawn Di Stefano and husband Rick of PA; six nephews: Kyle, Alex, Matthew, Jacob, Renato (Treb), and Paul; four nieces Nicole, Hannah, Jessica and Meg. Many special friends and his brotherhood of fellow firefighters and servicemen as well as his beloved “pains in the ass” Boomer and Willow. He was also very much looking forward to welcoming his first grandson into the world in early 2015.
There will be no public visiting hours held. A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 30th, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Essex Alliance Church with Pastor Joe Moore officiating. The family requests the wearing of bright colors and smiles – no black unless it is part of a uniform please! They also request that everyone who can do so bring a page of memories and/or pictures of David that can be made into a remembrance book for his young daughter and future grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in David’s memory may be made to Fairfax Rescue, P.O. Box 428, Fairfax, VT 05454. The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting
www.awrfh.com.
