Obituary: Noel E. Bartlo

Noel E. Bartlo, 90, of Grand Island, passed away peacefully on Aug. 17, 2024. Born on Christmas Eve, 1933, in Buffalo, Noel lived a life marked by dedication to family, community, and service.

A lifelong resident of Western New York, Noel was known for his warm smile and willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. He led a devout life of service within the Catholic Church parishes of St. Paul's in Kenmore; St. Stephen's on Grand Island; St. Christopher’s in Tonawanda; and St. Joseph’s of Lakeland, Florida. Noel's commitment to community service extended through his active involvement in the local Knights of Columbus and his local Lions Club International chapter, where he was recently honored for 46 years of service, spearheading numerous community service projects and fundraising initiatives.

Noel's professional life was marked by notable achievements and dedicated service. A proud graduate of Canisius High School and Canisius College in Buffalo, Noel went on to earn his law degree from the University at Buffalo. He founded Bartlo, Hettler & Weiss Attorneys at Law as part of his 50-plus years of service in the legal profession. He served many years as legal counsel to the New York State Senate majority leader in Albany.

Throughout his life, Noel was deeply involved in his community. He was active in his local Republican Party for decades and served in public office as a trustee for the Village of Kenmore. He served on the boards of numerous organizations over the years, including Hopevale Inc., Mount St. Mary’s Academy, and the Paul and Helen Ellis Charitable Trust.

Noel was also passionate about sports. He was an avid golfer, softball player, and longtime referee of high school sports in the Western New York area.

Noel is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Jeanne C. (Pritchard) Bartlo, and their eight children: Linda (John) Botek, Mary (Gordon Kirkman) Quatroche, Teresa Murray, Monica (Wayne) Taylor, Patricia (R. Kevin) Stevick, Noel J. (Carol) Bartlo, Daniel J. (Leah) Bartlo, and John A. (Pamela) Bartlo. He is also survived by 27 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Isabelle (Sobocinski) Bartlomiejczak, and his brother, John Kujawa.

A Catholic funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at St. Stephen's Church on Grand Island, followed by interment private for family at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Cheektowaga. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kenmore Lions Club or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in Noel's memory.

Noel will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and the joy he brought to all who knew him. His legacy of community service and devotion to family will continue to inspire future generations.