BREWER and BANGOR – Richard Mathew Bartelme, 90, died Jan. 17, 2009, in Brewer. He was born Jan. 10, 1919, in Erie, Pa., son of Mathew J. and Minnie (Bassett) Bartelme. Richard was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant after working in the medical department as a medic. He received the European-African Middle Eastern Service Medal, American Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Richard received his Bachelor of Science degree from Milwaukee State Teachers College; attended Columbia University, New York City; University of Bridgeport, Connecticut; and received his master’s degree from Marquette University, Wisconsin. He believed in lifelong learning and attended classes at numerous colleges. Richard taught elementary education for many years and inspired students to learn math, science and always do their best. He had been a volunteer at St. Joseph Hospital, Bangor; was a member of First United Methodist Church, Bangor; Granges of the Greater Bangor area; and Penobscot Pomona and State granges. He was recognized for 25 years of membership in the National Grange, Order of Patrons of Husbandry. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Betty (Fisher) Bartelme of Brewer, whose work he always supported with Lay speaking throughout United Methodist Church, New England; sons, David Bartelme of Maine and Lowell Bartelme of New Jersey; grandchildren, Paul and Eileen of New Jersey, and Mathew and Michelle of Connecticut; one great-granddaughter, nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank friends from FUMC, who helped Dick and Betty, Dr. Robert Allen, Sue Croce, Judy Hastings and Vicki Kolenik; as well as NIMS; St. Joseph Hospital Cardiac-Pulmonary Care Unit; and Woodlands Assisted Living Center, Brewer, for their caring support. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at First United Methodist Church, Bangor, with the Rev. Dr. Randall C. Chretien officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to call 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the church. Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor. Those who wish to remember Richard in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the memorial fund of First United Methodist Church, 703 Essex St., Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
RICHARD M. BARTELME
