1928 – 2019
Words of Remembrance for Brother Andrew Bartley, FSC
By Brother’s Nephew, Christopher Mediano
Mass of Christian Burial
La Salle College High School
Wyndmoor, PA
May 16, 2019
It’s amazing to see the range of people assembled here today and over the past few days. Before I share some thoughts, I would like to thank the La Salle Community, on behalf of our family, for providing this venue for all of us to celebrate the life of a truly great man.
Many of you here today knew Brother Andrew Bartley through different ways. Some, as a former principal or administrator , some knew him as a teacher, a brother, and as a friend. My family knew him affectionately as Uncle Jim. Born James Joseph Bartley, Uncle Jim was the oldest of six, among whom was his brother David , from whom you jus t heard . Uncle Jim will be joined in heaven with his brothers: my Uncle Paul, Uncle Joe, and his sisters, my Aunt Mary Anne and my mother, Kathleen.
His calling to a life of service to the Catholic faith struck him at a young age. Over the course of his life, Uncle Jim dedicated himself to education and the enrichment of families and students-all with a humble service to God. His imprints are long lasting. He influenced, shaped, and inspired many. There are many of us here today because of him.
It is very surreal for me to stand in front of all of you today to share some stories about my Uncle Jim . I am a product of the Lasallian education system that Uncle Jim loved so much and helped to shape and fortify. I graduated from both La Salle University and before that, this very high school. I still feel that this is his home since he worked and lived here for so many years in the Brothers’ residence, I still feel like his little nephew wandering the halls trying to discover where all you Brothers keep the ice cream!
Along with my parents and sisters, my Aunt Mary Anne and Uncle Jim were fixtures in my childhood . Both my father and Uncle Jim were strong male influences whose impact I’ve become more aware of the older I get. He taught me how to bait a hook, how to change a flat bicycle tire, and how to catch crabs in Maryland’s Assawoman Bay. I can still hear his singing voice! He loved to sing, both in church and also around our family’s piano, leading Christmas carols during the holidays.
In honor of his calling as an educator, I would like to share with you some things I learned from my Uncle Jim.
Be Brief
First , when it comes to public speaking be brief. This has served me well throughout my life and professional career. He’d say, “Ifyou can’t say it in five minutes, it’s not worth saying.” I will invoke that advice today-feel free to time me!
Service and Respect for Others
His service to others consumed his life. In these challenging times, we need more Uncle Jims-those who seek to understand and listen to others, to hear their perspectives without judgement , selflessly helping and seeking ways to lift others up.
Faith
Sometimes life throws you things you can’t understand or comprehend. Some tum to religion and their belief in God. Some need others to let them know challenging times will pass to help them through.
Uncle Jim was that steadying force for many, including us. He was always there for sick or ailing friends or relatives. His calm demeanor instilled belief. I remember as a young boy when my grandmother, his mother, died, I didn’t really know what was going on. He took my hand and told me not to worry, that everything would be fine. Something about the way he said it, and the tone he used, gave comfort. As a result, I have been able to summon that through tough times in my life and to bolster others.
Enjoy and Experience Life
As a child, I saw Uncle Jim as big and strong, able to do anything. He had a passion for cycling and would ride what seemed like hundreds of miles. He would lead our family on bike rides around Bethany Beach. He was an avid tennis player and would often play with my Dad. I would sometimes join him as a doubles partner.
He took up bird watching. It wasn’t just about the birds, but about the scenery and the people he would meet. He also loved food but more so because it brought people together-breaking bread together. I remember our house every Friday being filled with friends and relatives while we served steamed Maryland Blue crabs. I can still hear the singing, the laughter, and I can still smell the Old Bay seasoning. I look back fondly upon those days.
Family as a Concept
My sister Jen shared with me a quote Uncle Jim shared with her. “Friends are the family we choose.” Uncle Jim was a cornerstone to many. Family extended beyond blood and included the broader La Salle community, the many friends, families, and students he encountered along the way. He made one feel cared about and loved. He was selfless, and embodied what it meant to be a gentleman. Throughout my life and places I have lived, my wife and I have been able to prosper by recreating this family concept wherever we have lived.
Be Giving
Lastly, Uncle Jim was giving. He also enjoyed giving gifts. I remember as a child he would bring different things to our house to see if we could use them. I’m not sure how much my parents felt about some of the things he brought to our home. Among the many was a large-and heavy-locomotive bell. This bell was perched in our backyard. We would ring it for birthdays, holidays, and New Years. The ringing of the bell always conjured up happy memories. It’s cumbersome, but I’ve brought that bell with me everywhere I have lived. My children now know its sound well as we still ring it to commemorate joyful occasions.
Uncle Jim, thank you for the life you lived, how you lived it, but more importantly, for the many lives you touched. The bells will continue to ring in your honor! We love you, Uncle Jim!
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Brother Andrew Bartley, FSC
Born James Joseph Bartley in Philadelphia PA on 12 November 1928
Entered the Ammendale MD Novitiate on 7 June 1946
Received the Religious Habit and Name Elias Andrew on 8 September 1946
Pronounced Perpetual Vows at Ocean Rest in Ocean City NJ on 28 August 1953
Died at De La Salle Hall on 12 May 2019
Funeral Arrangements
Tuesday, 14 May 2019
Viewing – 1.00pm to 4.00pm
De La Salle Hall
810 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft NJ 07738
Thursday, 16 May 2019
Viewing – 4.00pm to 7.00pm
Mass of Christian Burial – 7.30pm
La Salle College High School
8605 Cheltenham Avenue
Wyndmoor PA 19038
Friday, 17 May 2019
Burial – 2.00pm
La Salle Hall
6001 Ammendale Road
Beltsville MD 20705
After suffering a heart attack on Friday evening, Brother Andrew wished to stay in the company of his Brothers at De La Salle Hall. He passed away Sunday evening.
The District of Eastern North America remembers Brother Andrew with memorial liturgies according to the tradition of the Institute. Through their prayers, communities and individuals entrust Brother Andrew to God’s loving care.
May he rest in peace.
Assignments
1947–1951
Washington DC
De La Salle College: Scholasticate
1951–1959
Baltimore MD
Calvert Hall College High School
1959–1963
Philadelphia PA
West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys
1963–1969
Shiremanstown PA
Trinity High School
1969–1977
Philadelphia PA
La Salle College
1977–1987
Wyndmoor PA
La Salle College High School
1987–1999
Philadelphia PA
La Salle University
1999–2006
Ventnor NJ
Saint Benilde Community: retired
2006–2017
Wyndmoor PA
La Salle College High School: retired
2017–2019
Lincroft NJ
De La Salle Hall: resident
Fond memories of Brother Andrew’s strong leadership as the inaugural Principal of Trinity High School. May he enjoy everlasting peace.
May he Rest In Peace We will miss him
From the O’Neill The Brown The Griffith andThe Koski Families
Rememberinjg with joy our great relationship with Brother Andrew’s entire family in Upper Darby, PA.
He was a great representative of his family, his church, and his community. May he rest in peace.
The Lion Family
He was a lovely and loving person and very dear to my and my family’s hearts throughout our lives. He will be greatly missed but his memory will remain always.
I was a West Catholic freshman to senior the same years as Elias Andrew FSC taught there, 1959-1963. I knew him in English class and home room. He was a gentleman and a scholar. Bro. Andrew taught good students to write crisp, clean sentences. May choirs of angels welcome him into Paradise.
He was a gentle but effective administer at Trinity High School when I was there between 1965 and 1969. He was loved and respected.
I remember Brother Andrew fondly as my 10th grade English teacher at West Catholic in the ‘59-‘60 school year. He gave me lots of encouragement in many ways and I will always be grateful for his help and guidance!
Intercede for us from above Brother Andrew. We miss you dearly!
Brother Andrew was my freshman English teacher at West. He ranks in the top 5 teachers I was lucky enough to have been taught by.
He was a dynamic classroom teacher, witty and able to use humor to keep discipline. And boy did he know his stuff.
He inspired in me a desire to write and expand my horizons beyond the small world I’d been part of.
I’m sure he’s already been greeted with the words “Well done, good and faithful servant…”
.