Leon Bartley

Delanson- Leon C. Bartley, 90, of Charles Street Delanson, passed away at home on February 12, 2014 after a brief illness. He was born in Mexico NY a son of the late James and Ethel Rose Bartley. As a young man Bart as he was known to family and friends, joined the war effort and spent part of those years in the submarine service on the USS Bream 243 whose crew would become an important part of his later years. He left the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer after 20 years of service .Bart’s  second career was with the Aetna Life Insurance Company where he worked for about 15 years .His third and favorite career was as a school bus drive for Duanesburg Central.He drove bus for “his” kids who loved him as well as their parents.  .He retired from the school in 2003.Bart liked to people watch and listen. Much of his knowledge came from his observations. He never judged or criticized others but saw people trying their best to live life. Along with his observations came his sense of humor. He could lighten tense moments with his Navy Ditties or his ribald jokes of course never to ribald. Bart served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of Delanson and spent 24 years as a driver for the Duanesburg Volunteer Ambulance Corp which he is a life member and also served as the Corp.’s treasurer for several years. Bart was a 3rd Degree Mason and a certified 60 year member of the FRA. He loved his music, the Yankees (when they won) trips to Maine, his canine pals, Maggie and Munchkin and the wonderful reunions with the members of his Navy crew held around the country. Bart loved life .He loved his children. He was a man of wisdom and integrity and for all those who knew and loved him; he will be truly missed rest in Peace Buddy Boy. Bart is survived by his longtime companion of 32 years Margaret ‘Peg” Benacquista   his children Dawn Serafen of San Diego California, Phillip and Tammy Bartley of Washington State, Leon Bartley Jr and his wife Carol of Niskayuna, Michael Benacquista of Albany, Melinda Benacquista of Schenectady, Mark Benacquista of Mechanicville and Michelle Benacquista of Clifton Park, 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to call at the White VanBuren Funeral Home 1779 Main Street Delanson NY on Monday February 17, 2014 from 6 pm to 8 pm.  Funeral serives will begin at 8pm at the funeral home. Interment will be in the spring at Grove Cemetery Quaker Street NY. Bart’s family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to his caregiver Heather Palmatier for her devoted care she gave Bart .She gave joy and life to him in so many ways. Thank You .The family respectfully requests that donation be made in Bart’s memory to the United States Navy Memorial 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington DC 20004 and or to the Animal Protective Foundation 53 Maple Avenue Scotia NY 12302

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