Edward F. Bartz

Born on Sept. 14, 1914, Mr. Bartz graduated from East High School, the Chown School of Business in Buffalo, and also attended New York University. He retired from the Buffalo VA Medical Center in June 1979, after 40 years of service with the Federal Government, having begun his career with the Army Corps of Engineers in Massena in 1940 on the original St. Lawrence River Seaway Project.

As a World War II veteran with the 164th Infantry Regiment, Americal Division, he served in the South Pacific as a first sergeant and was awarded two Bronze?Stars.

Upon returning to civilian life in 1946, he was re-employed by the Corps of Engineers in New York City. It was there that he met his future wife, Corinne McGrath. They were married in 1946 and settled as two of the first residents of Levittown. When the U.S. Air Force was established as a separate unit in September 1947, he transferred to Mitchel Air Force Base on Long Island. In 1954, he accepted a position in the personnel office at Sunmount VA Hospital in Tupper Lake. In 1956, he relocated to the Buffalo VA Hospital as a personnel officer, but returned to the Adirondacks frequently for the next 55 years to vacation with his family.

He was a past commander and life member of the Hamburg American Legion post, as well as a life member of the Hamburg VFW post. He served as president of the Western New York Federal Personnel Association. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Hamburg Council and the Senior Knights Club. He was passionate about his service to fellow federal retirees, serving as president for 27 years of the Southtowns Chapter of the National Association of Retired and Active Federal Employees (NARFE).

As a devout Roman Catholic, Mr. Bartz served as a Lector for 29 years for his parish, SS Peter & Paul in Hamburg, New York.

The letters that Ed and his brother Roman wrote to their mother during World War II are the subjects of a recently published book, “Two Brothers, One War,” by Nancy Fuentes.

Edward was predeceased by his wife, Corinne McGrath Bartz, his mother, Josephine Robbins, his brother Roman Bartzand his sister, Adeline O’Hara.

Surviving Ed are his children, Melanie (Stephen) Anchukaitis of Schenectady, Edward P. Bartz of Washington, D.C. and Rosemary (Robert) Sutton, of Centreville, Maryland; his grandchildren, Kevin (Jess) Anchukaitis, Jeffrey Anchukaitis and Robert (Erin) Sutton, a great-granddaughter, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Ed’s life was held Tuesday, Nov. 4 at SS. Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church in Hamburg.