Edward Bartley

Veazie - Edward Joseph Bartley Jr., 96, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2024 at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Bangor. To his final days, Ed maintained his love of life, his family, and his friends, which was immediately apparent to everyone who came in contact with him. His kindness and his smile were infectious to all who were lucky enough to know him. He was the most amazing father, husband, and friend, and always quick to help those he cared for (of which there were many).

Ed was born in New Haven, CT on November 7, 1927 to Edward J. Bartley Sr. and Mary A. Torsney into a first-generation Irish Catholic family. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on his 18th birthday and served proudly in Japan during World War II. A graduate of Hillhouse High School and Columbia University, Ed spent the first years of his career working in education, teaching English and History. During this time, he was also involved with numerous student advocacy efforts, staff development programs and local politics.

During the latter part of his career, he worked for both the New York City Department for Aging and the National Council on Aging, advocating for the well-being of the aging population. He also served on multiple boards, councils, and committees, but was especially proud of his time spent on the United Nations Committee on Aging. Ed retired from a distinguished career in advocacy for both education and aging in 1993.

Beyond his professional career, Ed had lived an active social and personal life. He had an unwavering devotion to God and was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Bangor. His kindness was exceeded only by his punctuality especially for mass. He was an avid reader and sports fan, his favorite teams being the New York Mets and Jets (a source of endless frustration). In 1989, he married his wife of 35 years, Jane (nee Harris), whereby he became part of a large extended family and made countless memories. He always enjoyed family gatherings and especially looked forward to meals prepared by his mother-in-law, Nancy. He was well-known for his sweet tooth and always enjoyed Julie’s apple pie. He was fond of taking car rides with close friends and family, including Beth and Teddy, Bonnie and Tim, and Wayne. He treasured any time spent with those he loved, but he truly cherished the moments he spent with his daughter, Tara, and his grandchildren. In addition to his family, Ed also offered his time to many local organizations including Maine Senior Companion Program, All Saints Catholic School Development Council, Maine Coalition for Food Security, and Shaw House.

Ed is survived by his wife, Jane Harris-Bartley; his daughter, Tara Townsend and her husband Sam; step-daughter, Rene Lindsay and her husband Chris; grandchildren, Millie and Addie Townsend and Emerson and Harrison Lindsay; mother-in-law, Nancy Harris; brothers-in-law, Wayne and Jerry Harris, his wife Lynda and their children, Alyson and Jade, and grandchildren, Mckenziey (who was constantly at his side) and Clayton. Ed was predeceased by his parents, his Aunt Millie, his father-in-law, Clayton Harris, and his closest friend, Papa Joe.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the B-unit staff at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Bangor for their loving care and support during Ed’s time there.

Family and friends are invited to visit 4pm – 6:30pm Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Brookings-Smith Funeral Home, 133 Center St. Bangor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11am, Friday, July 19, 2024 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, John’s Catholic Church, 217 York Street, Bangor. All are invited to share conversation and refreshments at The Tarratine, 81 Park St, Bangor, immediately following Mass. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Ed’s memory may be made to All Saints Catholic School, 768 Ohio Street, Bangor, ME 04401 or online at allsaintsmaine.org or the Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow Street, Bangor, ME 04401.