Donald Bartz

Donald Wade Bartz of New Market, MD passed away Monday, May 1, 2017. Don was a loving husband to Joyce Bartz for 55 years. Born June 18, 1938 in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Margaret Bartz and Charles Bartz, Sr.

Don and his older brother Chuck were raised by their mother and maternal grandmother. He cared for them both as they aged. Donald remembered his mother fondly and spoke of her often.

Don attended Strayer College and earned a Master’s Degree from Rutgers University. He began his career in banking while still in high school and rose to senior management at the National Bank of Washington.

Don’s passion was his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce, in April 1962- just before she graduated high school. Each morning he would drop his new bride off at the school bus. Don and Joyce raised three wonderful daughters together in Olney, MD. Their oldest daughter, Laura, arrived just three years after they were married. Margaret came along fifteen months later. The youngest daughter, Cindy, was born five years after Margaret. Don found his greatest joy in being a father. He would often rush home from the bank to bring his daughters little trinkets in bags he would label with an "s" for surprise.

Eventually, Don’s girls grew up and settled down. Laura married Charlie McNally and became an Elementary School Teacher. Margaret married Jim McNeill and became an Accountant. Cindy married Jeff Vance and became a Middle School English Teacher. The Bartz girls each ended up settling in Frederick, MD. Once Don and Joyce retired, they moved to New Market to be closer to their family.

Don’s girls each gave him two grandchildren. Laura had a son, Shawn, and a daughter, Amanda. Margaret had two sons, James and Nolan. Cindy had a daughter, Amber, and a son, Nick. Don was a devoted grandfather to all six of his grandchildren. From taking them to doctor’s appointments to cheering them on at sporting events- Grandpa was always there to support his Grandbabies. Don always showed his grandchildren unconditional love. He was proud of each and every one of their accomplishments. Don was always the grandkids’ favorite babysitter. He took them on special trips and would often sneak them out of school early to spend afternoons with Granddaddy.

Over the years, Don traveled to many amazing places with Joyce and their friends. They enjoyed seeing Europe, Hawaii, going on cruises, and traveling to Naples, Florida every February. In retirement, Donald was able to travel and spend time with so many friends whom he admired so much.

Donald’s family always gathered together to celebrate holidays. The annual family beach vacation to Delaware was the highlight of Don’s year. These trips started when his girls were young and continued as his family grew larger and larger. The last addition to Don's family was his Grandson Shawn's wife, Sarah.  Attending their wedding in Maine brought him great joy.

In the last 11 years of his life, Don enjoyed his retired life in the Signature Club of Greenview with his many wonderful friends. He was always ready to go when one of his friends called with an invitation to go get chipped beef at their favorite small town restaurant. He enjoyed the Monday night "24" group gatherings.

Don loved his friends, his faith, and traveling but most of all, Don loved and lived for his family.

Please join us in celebrating Don’s life!

Visitation for family and friends: Sunday, May 7th from 2-4 pm at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702.

Celebration of Life Service: Monday, May 8th at 4:30 pm at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702.

Reception immediately following the service: Greenview Clubhouse, 5811 Empire Blvd., New Market, MD 21774.