John Peter Bartasch, 93, of Collegeville

John Peter Bartasch of Collegeville reunited with the love of his life, Maria, and son, Walter, on December 31, 2017 at home surrounded by his family. After enjoying Christmas Day with his family, he suffered a massive stroke on Dec. 26th at the age of 93.

The son of Peter and Kalina (Netchatila) Bartasch, John was born in Poltova, Ukraine on April 28, 1924. He was a WWII veteran of the Russian Red Army. John and Maria Peruski married in Austria in 1947, and immigrated to the United States with their three small children in 1951.

Upon arriving in America, he worked multiple jobs to support his family eventually becoming a machine operator at Synthane Taylor in Oaks. He retired in 1986, but in his hardworking fashion, he continued to fix lawnmowers and machinery for neighbors and friends well into his 90s.

Through hard work and perseverance, John and his wife emulated the “American Dream”. Becoming a United States citizen in 1958, he appreciated the freedoms and opportunities that the United States offered him. A true American patriot, he was known to exercise his right of free speech and enjoyed engaging in political debates, although we know his opinion was always right.

Being a devoted husband, father and Pop Pop, he enjoyed spending time with his family explaining how to do things the right way. He enjoyed playing the accordion, watching the Phillies, feeding neighborhood squirrels by hand, and had a knack for fixing anything mechanical. He was an avid bowler up to his passing, and loved his red wine and a nice cigar. He taught his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren what it means to be respectful.

John is survived by his children: Anton of Royersford, John (Lynn) of Barto, Marguerite (Sean) McMahon of Collegeville, and William (Rose) of Schwenksville. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Maria, of 62 years in 2010, and his son, Walter, killed in Vietnam in October 1969.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Natasha (Pete) BartaschPrice, Maria (Keith) Olinick, Becky (Pete) Agler, Sean McMahon, Walter (Samantha) McMahon, Melanie (Mike) Boehret, and Bridget McMahon; and eleven great-grandchildren: Rowan, Peyton and Braeden Price; Alaina and Colton Olinick; Camrynn and Henry Agler; Jack McMahon; and Finley, Billy and Stella Boehret.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial luncheon in John’s honor at Copperfield Inn at Lakeside, 594 West Ridge Pike, Limerick, PA on Saturday, January 6th from noon to 3 pm.