Bartholomew Botta

Bart Botta, MSgt, USAF Retired, devoted husband to Sue for over 65 years peacefully left this life to be with his Lord on May 11, 2008. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 7, 1922. Bart attended South Philly High School for boys and proudly served his family and country. He joined the New Jersey National Guard as a member of the Horse Drawn Artillery in 1939, entering active duty in the US Army in 1940 with the 157th Field Artillery. Later joining the 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion, Bart was one of the first troops to open Camp Hood, Texas (now known as Fort Hood), in 1942. His WWII service later took him to Fort Lewis and Walla Walla, WA. He later served overseas in Japan, returning to the US in 1950 and was discharged in 1953. He continued his studies at Arizona State University and Rutgers. In 1956 he joined the Air Force Reserves and later re-entered active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Bart continued his service as a First Sergeant at Langley Air Force Base, VA; Goose Air Base, Labrador; Bergstrom AFB, TX; Fire Island, AK and finally retired from active duty at Travis AFB, CA in October 1970. Although retired, Bart didn't stop there. For the next thirty-eight years, Bart continued to serve his family, community and country. He sold Real Estate, worked with the Texas Parks Department and later retired from IRS. Bart was an active member of the Catholic parish at Bergstrom AFB and when the base closed, continued his stewardship at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Bart was a Knight of Columbus with Council 10209 at St. Paul's Parish and a 4th Degree Knight with Bishop Reicher Assembly 1099. In addition, he was a member of the VFW, American Legion and St. Paul's Men's Club. Bart was preceded in death by his son, Bart Botta Jr.; and son-in-law, Darrell Wilson. Survivors include his wife, Sue; son, Dan and wife, AnnDee of Georgia; daughter, Karen Robertson and husband, Marty of Okinawa; daughter, Terri Wilson of Austin; daughter-in-law, Carole Botta of Austin; brother, Leo of Philadelphia; grandchildren, Bart Botta III, Jeff Botta, Ben Botta, Tish Nuelken and husband Adam, Anthony Robertson and wife, Kimberly, Charles Robertson, Louis Robertson, Doug Wilson and Jessie Wilson; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. The world has lost a great man, but the Lord has gained a better one. All those whose lives were touched by Bart will miss him dearly. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 1:00 pm at St. Paul's Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul's Building Fund, 10000 David Moore Rd, Austin, TX 78748.