Frank Sebastian Barthel, Jr.'s Obituary
Former Syracuse resident Frank S. Barthel, Jr., devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, 83, passed away on September 4, 2015 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. Frank was a faith-filled man; stoic and kind, determined and compassionate, and loved his family with steadfast devotion.
Frank was born in Syracuse, NY on May 26, 1932 to Frank and Viola Barthel. He is a graduate of Assumption High School and received a BS in Physics from LeMoyne College.
Having first met in grade school, Frank married the late Mary Anne (Hogan) Barthel in 1958. He was a devoted husband throughout their 36-year marriage.
After serving two years in the Army, Frank began his engineering career in lighting design and application with Crouse-Hinds Company. His career there spanned nearly 40 years and awarded him great professional success, including being awarded a US Patent for his innovated design work and bringing him lifelong friendships. He cherished his weekly Friday “Board Meetings” long into his retirement.
Most important to Frank was family. He was selflessly devoted to his children Brian and Kathleen (Katie). He deeply respected his late son-in-law, Patrick, and treasured his granddaughters, Madelyn and Clare. He was a loyal brother to Doris Spiegel (John), Beatrice Hettler (the late Nelson), and his twin sister Joan (the late Edward). Frank also had many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
An active communicant of St. Margaret’s Church in Mattydale, NY, Frank served as a lector and Eucharistic minister, Parish Council member, chairman of the Hope Appeal and the weekly Bingo program bringing increased revenue to the parish and school for decades.
Frank was a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society and the CNY African Violet Society where he was certified as a judge and frequently attended shows throughout the northeast. Frank enjoyed gardening, was an avid bowler and loved the NY Yankees and the Syracuse Orangemen.
Frank moved to Bloomfield Hills, MI in 2012 and resided close to his daughter and son in the Woodward Hills Nursing Center. The patient care staff treated him like family, and he was grateful for their compassionate care.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, September 8, 2015 from 4-7pm at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME (corner of Buckley Rd.)North Syracuse. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 10am at St. Margaret’s Church with rite of committal at Assumption Cemetery in Syracuse.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the St. Margaret’s Angel Fund, St. Margaret’s Church, 203 Roxboro Road, Syracuse, NY 13211.
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