Robert J. Bartell Sr.

Robert “Bob” John Bartell, Sr.

Robert “Bob” John Bartell, Sr., 81, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on December 16, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Bob was raised on Landis Street in Sheraden where he attended Holy Innocents High School. He then attended Concord University in West Virginia before settling in Green Tree, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he raised his family and spent the rest of his life. He was the son of the late John W. “Scopes” Bartell and Helen Cagney, and the son-in-law of the late James A. “Ike” Snatchko and Dorothy Przybysz. Bob often said he only missed one day of school-his very first day of first grade-and never took a sick day from work during his career. His mother loved animals and throughout his childhood they had many pets, but one dog in particular-Jet-was his favorite. He always spoke glowingly of Sheraden, and of all the close-knit relationships that his parents had formed with so many neighbors. After college, Bob joined the military and was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, where he met his lifelong best friend, Dan Bernardi. During his service, he was fortunate to travel throughout the Mediterranean and was especially proud to have seen the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Upon returning home from the military, he began his career at Pittsburgh National Bank where he worked for over 25 years as a VP in the purchasing department before finishing his career as the CEO of a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit. In 1971, Bob purchased his most prized possession, a 1967 Jaguar XKE v12 roadster. In 1973 he married the love of his life, Mary Margaret (Margie), who grew up across the street from him in Sheraden. Together, they built a life in Green Tree and raised their two sons, Robby and Christopher. Bob was deeply involved in the Green Tree community serving on many borough committees, parish councils, ushering at Saints Simon & Jude and serving on the board for many nonprofits including The Roberto Clemente Foundation. In retirement he worked as a crossing guard in Green Tree where he was proud to help negotiate the team’s first pay increase in many years. But what Bob loved the most was coaching both of his boys in baseball for over 20 years. From tee ball through semi-pro, where he founded the Green Tree Federation Baseball Team. He spent the last two decades of his life caring for his wife as she battled dementia, rarely leaving her side. They spent their days together watching the news and almost never missing a Pirates game. He found joy in the simple things – watching his boys grow up, spending time with granddaughter, going to Wendy’s and drinking diet orange pop (sometimes with a splash of Canadian Club or Crown Royal). His German heritage and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day—his mother’s favorite holiday—were always important to him. He will be remembered for his smile, dad jokes, quick wit and infectious laugh that filled every room and left everyone laughing with him. He will be buried at Saint Martin’s Cemetery in the West End of Pittsburgh, where the three preceding generations of Bartells are also laid to rest. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Mary Margaret, and his sister, Barbara Florak. He is survived by his sons, Robby (Becca) and Christopher (Grace) Bartell; his granddaughter, Delaney; his brother-in-law, Edward Florak; and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 2–4 PM and 6–8 PM at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Township, PA 15220. (412-563-2800) A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 13th at 10 AM at SS. Simon and Jude Roman Catholic Church, St. Raphael the Archangel Parish, 1607 Green Tree Rd. Interment will follow at Saint Martin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations Wounded Warrior Project- https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=115 www.slaterfuneral.com