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John Bartolomeo Obituary

Bartolomeo, John L. Slipped peacefully into eternity after weeks of cardiac procedures at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix on April 4, 2012. Born in Joliet, Illinois in September of 1923, Bartolomeo was the only son of Louis and Ida Bartolomeo who also had four daughters. He attended Joliet Township High School and from there attended the University of Notre Dame to study architecture. His college career was interrupted by the war where, given his schooling, he was assigned to the Combat Engineers. In Europe, he built pontoon and Bailey truss bridges throughout France and Germany and learned how to open a bottle of Cognac. Returning home from the war, Bartolomeo graduated from Notre Dame in the class of 1947. From there he returned to his south side of Chicago roots where he put in his architectural internship at the office of Elmer Carlson. After passing his registration exam, he started his own architectural practice, Bartolomeo and Associates which, years later, grew into the partnership of Bartolomeo and Hansen. Being a close friend of Albert Cardinal Meyer of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Bartolomeo was first known as a "church architect." Responding to the baby boom after the war, the archdiocese built many new schools, churches, rectories, and convents and Bartolomeo seemed to have designed more than his share. After the passing of Cardinal Meyer, Bartolomeo's practice became more commercial and multi-unit residential. At the age of 65, Bartolomeo closed the doors on his Chicago architectural practice to move to Arizona where he frenetically produced a second full life time's worth of work as a sculptor in welded steel and imported marbles. As he aged, these more monumental works morphed into hand-hammered copper sculptures and jewelry. Later in life, Bartolomeo became an active member in the oratory Franciscan Church known as the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85253, where a memorial service will be held on April 24, 2012 at 10:00am. Bartolomeo is survived by all seven of his children: Christine, Louis, Louise, Rita, John, Frank, and Tom; 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Franciscan Renewal Center, Scottsdale, AZ.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. 8, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for John Bartolomeo

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John Bartolomeo - 2005 by Lyle Moultrie

Lyle Moultrie

March 3, 2021

I had the pleasure to photograph Mr. Bartolomeo in 2005. He was very kind and easy to work with during the shoot.

Laura Harrison

April 23, 2012

John was a PR client and a dear friend of mine for almost sixteen years. Over the years, I interviewed him many times in order to write about his life in Chicago, his love of architecture, his philosophy on living, his summer sculpting trips to Italy, and his perspective on creating something of beauty from a block of stone.

I loved publicizing his art exhibitions and the crate openings at his home in Carefree and watching people fill his sculpture garden and studio to admire his elegant art, and toasting the success of any number of art shows. I still have his voice on audio tapes from all those interviews.

I miss my precious friend. What Wonderful Memories I Have: such as the crate opening parties when his newest sculptures arrived from Pietrasanta, Italy, working hard promoting and attending the Hidden in the Hills Artists Studio tours, and the Calvin Charles Gallery reception, Make Me an Offer I Cant Refuse, or enjoying the risotto cook off parties at his home in Carefree while he playfully shushed us when a favorite Italian operatic aria began to play on the stereo.

I am especially grateful for his encouragement for me to travel to Italy. I told him years later that my trip sparked the travel bug in all my children, my two nieces, my sister and many of their friends and colleagues to visit Italy. All of them have!

John lived two lives, the first as a successful and highly respected architect, and the other as a nationally recognized sculptor. He created artwork that will last forever and each piece will bring happiness and smiles to the owners and admirers every time their gaze falls upon his art. Through all of life's ups and downs, the disappointments and the triumphs, he led a life that most people can only dream of. La Dolce Vita!

Tony Putrino

April 19, 2012

I was so very sad to learn of John's passing. He was passionate about art and life, and passionate enough to include music with his art, which is how we met. John hired me to play the accordion at many of his exhibitions and I owe him a debt of gratitude for bringing me together with our good friends at La Fontanella Restaurant, where I continue to perform every year. I will be at his memorial service to celebrate his life with his family. And if it is desired and appropriate, I would like to offer to perform a song there in his honor.

Simon Meredith

April 16, 2012

I was sad to learn of John's death. I worked as Head Tennis Professional for John at Evergreen from 1976-80. He was passionate about tennis....and he was passionate about life. Rest in peace.

Roger Usher

April 16, 2012

Fondly Remembering John and all of the Bartolomeos at The Island in Wisconsin.
Sincere condolences on the loss of your father.

Robert Hartl

April 12, 2012

I met John several times and he was an excellent sculptor. He had spent many summers in Italy in Pietrasanta and knew the language of sculpture well. He was willing to share that information if you showed him you were serious. He was a measured man balanced at the fulcrum. I will miss him.

Luana

April 12, 2012

Sending more vibrant love and sweet thoughts of dear John.

Teri Jackson

April 12, 2012

To the family of John Bartolomeo:
Losing someone who has been a part of your life for so many years must be very difficult.
May it helpt to ease the hurt you feel now to
know that others care and are thinking of you at
this sad time
With deepest sympathy Psalm 61:3

April 11, 2012

I have such happy memories of being invited to his "uncrating" parties after he had spent his Summer in Italy. What an exciting event that always was. A man of many talents! He will be missed by many.

Ruth Gasbarra

ENJOY John ~

Luana Lucia

April 10, 2012

Dearest John,

As 1 of the Casa Greeters at The Franciscan Renewal Center, meeting you at the Jubilee Gate, you always made my soul feel edified, unconditionally loved and cherished. My dear friend John, I have the beautiful sculptured necklace you gave me a year ago that hangs in my garden room window. I believe my son Justin (who passed away 7 months ago) met you at the pearly gates even before St. Peter arrived ? It is an honor to call you friend and most of all, Brother John! I am certain you are being kissed by the Angels and adding gorgeous sculpture to the plentiful gardens where you are John! Until we meet again! ~ Bella Luana Lucia

**My love and joyful thoughts of your loved one, John, are with all of you during this time.

Donna Alletto

April 10, 2012

Dear Uncle John,
You always had a special place in my heart - I was your little "donna-poo" - you gave me my very first job as your asst secretary at your architectural studio on western ave - and the Eagle River vacations you took us on and the wonderful realtionship I had with my cousins all through my growing years - Uncle, please take this as the greatest compliment I can give to you - to me you wil always be the "Cool Dude" with the ponytail - and a tremendous presence in my younger years and I am forever grateful for the blessing of you in my life. And now you are seeing the face of God! Hugs and happy memories to my cousins in your grief - love, Donna Alletto

Christine Walsh

April 9, 2012

Hi Dad...Where are you? I come home from work and you're not there. I don't hear you singing in Italian, I don't hear any operas, I don't hear the gunshots from your cowboy shows, I don't hear you hammering copper, I don't hear the compressor or you slamming the front door any more...but when it gets real quiet, sometimes I think I hear you calling me, but when I look around, you're not there.

Know that you fought hard and your spirit will live in my heart forever.

I miss you so very much.

Love Chris

Liz & Tom Guinan

April 9, 2012

A few years ago my fiance and I had the pleasure of spending time with John at one of the Hidden in the Hills art shows. He made such an impression on us both. What a beautiful soul! I fell in love with him immediately. We spent quite a bit of time talking about his architectural career in Chicago and his turn to sculpture and jewelry. We purchased several pieces as gifts, and two pendants for me. He then showed me one of his jewelry pieces with the Tau symbol, and he explained the meaning and its significance for him. Because we had talked for so long, and shared a mutual love for St. Francis of Assisi, he placed the necklace on me and gave it to me as a gift. Its one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. My fiance and I were saddened to read of his passing in the paper yesterday. I simply wanted his family to know how much their father impacted us that day, and the impression he made on both our hearts.

Giovanni Bartolomeo

April 9, 2012

Dear family Bartolomeo

With deep regret, I have just heard of the death of my cousin.

There is very little one can say at a time like this, but all of us would like to extend our sincere sympathy at your loss.

Please include us among those who share your sorrow at this sad time.

Yours sincerely

family Giovanni Bartolomeo

Dominic Candeloro

April 8, 2012

We at the Italian Cultural Center of Casa Italia will always remember John for the wonderful sculptures that he donated to us in the 1980s. In wood and in marble, the pieces highlight the art work in our Florentine Room. He was very generous with his talents and we also appreciate his participation in the Festa Italiana Art Shows of that era. God rest his soul. Dominic Candeloro

Maureen Ryan

April 8, 2012

Dear Christine, Louis, Louise, Rita, John, Frank, and Tom,


I was so sad to learn of your father's passing and I appreciate that Rita emailed me earlier this week to notify me. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers especially today. As I read the obit in the paper I think how befitting that God has called home one of his most talented creators on holy week!

I'm sure you realize that your father holds a very special place in my heart and I will always cherish the many wonderful memories of a man who lived life to the fullest. I can still recall the opening of the Evergreen Bath & Tennis Club and the 35 mm camera around his neck when we were first introduced! John loved good food & wine, to be surrounded by his family and friends… our dining experiences in Chicago included: the opening of Pronto Ristorante, Club El Bianco, Greco's, The Flame and even Charlie Trotter's to name but a few, but the best and most memorable culinary experience for me was the night we gathered at his home in Evergreen Park and a group of us made pasta from scratch with his mother Ida. I can still see him now giving her that loving squeeze around her waist. On his last birthday we reminisced about seeing the Preservation Hall Jazz Band back in the ‘80's as I told him they were back in Chicago for an engagement. I'll look forward to seeing you soon to celebrate his very full life! In his words… “Ciao Bella”

Kaye and John Krohlow and Nichols

April 8, 2012

Dear Rita and John's family:

We are so sorry to hear of John's passing to eternal life. We love his sculpture. I recall, Rita, how much he means to you. You may recall us as we have hiked with you back in the Ytrekker days!

Please know that you, your entire family, and John are in our prayers.

Maureen Ryan

April 8, 2012

Dear Christine, Louis, Louise, Rita, John, Frank, and Tom,

I was so sad to learn of your father's passing and I appreciate that Rita emailed me earlier this week to notify me. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers especially today. As I read the obit in the paper I think how befitting that God has called home one of his most talented creators on holy week!

I'm sure you realize that your father holds a very special place in my heart and I will always cherish the many wonderful memories of a man who lived life to the fullest. I can still recall the opening of the Evergreen Bath & Tennis Club and the 35 mm camera around his neck when we were first introduced! John loved good food & wine, to be surrounded by his family and friends… our dining experiences in Chicago included: the opening of Pronto Ristorante, Club El Bianco, Greco's, The Flame and even Charlie Trotter's to name but a few, but the best and most memorable culinary experience for me was the night we gathered at his home in Evergreen Park and a group of us made pasta from scratch with his mother Ida. I can still see him now giving her that loving squeeze around her waist. On his last birthday we reminisced about seeing the Preservation Hall Jazz Band back in the ‘80's as I told him they were back in Chicago for an engagement. I'll look forward to seeing you soon to celebrate his very full life! In his words… “Ciao Bella”

rita starr

April 8, 2012

Hi dad, Dennis and I already miss you so much. Thank you for all you are and were. Be certain you will never be forgotten.
Love, rita and dennis

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