Obituary of Thomas R Bartha

Thomas R. Bartha Sr., 78, of White Township, NJ passed away peacefully on July 7, 2015 at Easton Hospital. Born on January 1, 1937, to the late Gustave and Bertha Irene (Hummel) Bartha, Tom grew up in the Phillipsburg area and as an adult settled in theWhite Township area where he made his home and grew his business. Following the American Dream, Tom founded, owned and operated Tom Bartha & Son Excavating. His business flourished from 1966 until his retirement in 1999, when he was succeeded by his only son Thomas Bartha Jr. As an avid hunter and true outdoorsman, Tom found great delight in his rural homestead of Laceyville, PA over the last 25 years. Known as a man with a keen interest in hunting, boating, and nature, he delighted in his collection of ‘man’ toys. He will always be remembered as a hard worker who was a deeply devoted family man. He is survived by his first wife and current partner Antoinette Sportelli Gillen of White Township, NJ and his loving children, 3 daughters, Linda Otto and her husband Robert of Laceyville, PA, Darlene Nees and her husband Donald of Nazareth, PA, Shirlee Flynn and her husband Tim of Harmony, NJ., a son, Thomas Bartha Jr. and his wife Denise of White Township, NJ. Step daughters, Debbie Godshall of Bridgewater, NJ, Cathy Otto and her husband Douglas of St Thomas, USVI, and Jeremy Hahn of White Township, NJ who was like a son to him. Brothers Gustave G. Bartha of Phillipsburg, NJ and Earl Bartha of Bangor, PA. 8 grandchildren Robert Otto of Laceyville, PA, Christa Otto Bubba of Bath, PA, Brandon Nees of Nazareth, PA, Nicole Marascio Kennedy of Phillipsburg, NJ, Tim Flynn of Stewartsville, NJ, Shane Otto of St Thomas, USVI, and Thomas and Ava Bartha of White Township, NJ, and 5 great grandchildren Mason and Blake Kennedy, Jack and Lindsey Flynn and Pia Antoinette Bubba. He is preceded in death by his devoted wife Leona, Sister Betty Jones and a grandson Thomas L. Kunigus Jr. Friends and family may pay their respects on Monday, July 13, 2015 from 5:00-9:00 PM at the Warren Hills Memorial Home. 234 W. Washington Ave. Washington, NJ 07882. Funeral services will be celebrated Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at 10:00 AM in the funeral home. Burial will take place in Summerfield Cemetery, White Township, NJ. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home. 234 W. Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882.