John F. Bartek, 61, of Essex, died unexpectedly Dec. 19. He was born Oct. 20, 1952. John grew up in Wallingford with five brothers. They spent summers on Seaside Ave in Westbrook causing plenty of trouble. He graduated from Xavier High School and Maine Maritime Academy, and worked as a merchant marine for more than 30 years before retiring as Master. Most recently, he worked as ships superintendent for Logistic Corp. on the New London State Pier. 

His love for the ocean extended throughout his life, from Westbrook to Seabrook, New Hampshire, to Bremerhaven, Germany. John was a charter member of the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club and in his semi-retirement, became an active member at Westbrook Elks BPOE 1784, where he and Patty volunteered for a number of events and made many lasting friendships. John was a dedicated fan of UConn Women’s Basketball, the New England Patriots, and the Boston Red Sox, attending at least one game a year at Fenway Park.

He captained Ashley through multiple hikes of Mt. Monadnack and a walk through Europe, and Elizabeth through a job change, car troubles and much, much more. He even tried to captain his two unruly teenage girls from Haifa, Israel; it mostly worked, except for that one time when “Crashley” drove through the closed garage door. John enjoyed sitting with Patty on their back deck feeding birds and the neighbor’s chickens, though the moving of Patty’s jungle-like plants in and out for the season was always a dreaded task. Scratch-offs and pull-tabs were a daily activity, with much of the winnings donated to local charities.

Life Choice Donor Services thanks the Bartek family for their donation of John’s organs.

John is survived by his wife Patty; daughters Elizabeth and Ashley; in-laws Marie and Raymond Grace of Middletown; three brothers, Robert, Steven and Richard; future son-in-law Adam Harris; a nephew; nieces; a pain-in-the-butt grand-dog, and the babiest of kitties, Chaquita. He was predeceased by his parents Frances and Stephen; and two brothers, William and James.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, Dec. 23 from 4-7 p.m. at Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries, P.O. Box 804, Essex, CT 06426. To send a condolence or share a memory of John, visit rwwfh.com.