Donald T. Bartles Jr.

Donald T. Bartles Jr., 79, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 22, 2024. He was born on March 18, 1945, in Flushing, to the late Donald Sr. and Gelletia (Tompkins) Bartles. His family moved to Dutchess County and settled on Silver Lake. In 1962, he graduated from Rhinebeck High School and furthered his education at SUNY Albany where he studied Mathematics. In 1966, in Pleasant Valley at the Presbyterian Church, Don married Kathleen Freiberg, and together they enjoyed 58 years of marriage. This was also the same year that he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served in Vietnam until 1969. This is when Don and Kathy settled in Pine Plains and began to raise their family. He worked for many years as the owner and operator of Bartles Tree Service before going to work as a right of way engineer for Dutchess County Highway. In retirement, he traveled with Kathy to China, England, New Zealand, Scandinavia, and Cuba just to name a few. He always enjoyed learning something new and exploring other countries & cultures. They were very active in the China exchange program through the Pine Plains Central School District including hosting the Chinese teachers in their home. He chaired the SEED program at the School for many years, providing grants to enrich various programs in the district. Don was a well respected and active community member in Pine Plains. He served for 37 years on the town planning board, was a town councilman and deputy town supervisor. He was also very involved in the Pine Plains Lions Club. His service was remarked as being legendary, and a shining example of the Lions Club motto “We Serve”. Don served as a past president, long time sight chairman, and was an active part in the Dutchess County Lions Sight group. He has done eye screenings programs for thousands of children throughout Dutchess county, as part of the Lions Sight Program. The family wishes to thank the many friends and relatives who supported Don during his illness. Also, for their compassionate care: Dr. Ryan Denley and all the staff at the Dyson Center at Vassar Hospital. The valet parking staff at the Dyson Center, Paul and Lisa, for their unceasing support and good cheer. The caring staff at the Pleasant Valley House of New Horizons Resources agency, for their support of Carl. Hudson Valley Hospice for their support in Don's final days.

Donald is survived by his devoted wife Kathleen, and their two sons, Ted and wife Angie Bartles of Queens, and Carl Bartles, of Clinton Corners. His four siblings, William, and his wife Judy of Brevard, NC; James Bartles, Jeanne Stirzel, & Stephen, and his wife Peta, all of Clinton. In addition to nieces, nephews and cousins. 

A time for sharing of memories and offering condolences will be on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:30pm at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 7749 S. Main Street, Pine Plains. At 4:30, Reverend Jan Brooks will officiate a funeral service that will conclude with a VFW service. Donations in Don’s memory are welcomed to Westminster Presbyterian Church, PO Box 271, Salt Point, NY 12578 or to New Horizons Resources, 123 West Rd., Pleasant Valley, NY 12569.