Anthony J. Bartalo

Anthony J. Bartalo, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away August 2, 2015 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born in Caledonia, New York on January 9, 1931, to Anthony and Josephine Bartalo. He graduated from Caledonia High School and then attended Canisius College in Buffalo, New York and the University of Detroit in Michigan before attending Officer Training School where he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force in 1953.

He served as a fighter pilot, a squadron commander and Air Operations Officer, and he completed 157 combat missions in the Vietnam War. He had assignments to numerous bases both overseas and in the United States. After 26 years of dedicated service he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was a recipient of numerous awards and was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Airman’s Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal, to name a few. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed reading, woodworking, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his six children, Kenneth Bartalo, David (Sue) Bartalo, Deborah (Pat) Rice and Michael (Traci) Bartalo of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Sue Bartalo (Dave Fischer) of Menlo Park, California, and Stephen (Cristy) Bartalo of Tampa, Florida. He greatly enjoyed his 16 grandchildren: Christina, Nathaniel, Stephen, Tony R, Danny, Allie, Hannah, Abigail, Lydia, Gianna, Wesley, Bradley, Erica, Gioia, Tony B, and Nick. His beloved wife of 54 years, Lorraine, preceded him in death two years earlier.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 North Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs, preceded by a viewing at 8:30 a.m. A private burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association or Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation.