Joseph “Joe” Bartley, 88, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully at Indian River Medical Center, on Dec. 8, 2015.
He is survived by his sister Mary Ferguson, of Louisville, Kent.; daughter Kim; son Keith (Bozena); and five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Paula, sister Jeanette, and brother Lloyd.
He was a faithful father and friend and has impacted many people in his lifetime.
Bartley was born on July 14, 1927, in Louisville, Kent.
He enlisted in the US Navy at age 17, and served on the USS Vincennes during WWII. The Vincennes was a light cruiser, 601 feet, 10,000 tons, with 1000 officers and crew on board, and earned 6 battle stars for for her WWII service.
Through his naval training he learned discipline, how to handle responsibility, take ownership, treat other people respectfully, and always commit to something 100 percent. These lessons formed his moral foundation, shaped his character and influenced his decision making the rest of his life. He later enlisted in active duty in the US Air Force and served until 1952.
He retired after 35 years of service with Southern Bell in sales and marketing, and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.
He was a resident of Vero Beach for 30 years and retired from a second career as a Real Estate Broker working in Indian River County.
Bartley spent his time volunteering for the Senior Resource Association Meals on Wheels program to deliver meals for homebound seniors. He said volunteering was a wonderful way to pay forward kindness that you have received in your life. He said the volunteer may be the only person many of the Meals on Wheels clients will see and talk to each day so that friendly smile and conversation is very important!
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, at 9 a.m., at Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary in Vero Beach. Inurnment will be held Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at South Florida National Cemetery 6501 South State Road #7, Lake Worth.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.
