William L. Bartlett Jr's Obituary
William L. Bartlett, Jr.
July 12, 1931 – July 26, 2026
William L. Bartlett, Jr., affectionately known as Bill or "Papa Bear," was born on July 12, 1931, in St. Albans, Vermont, to Louise and William L. Bartlett, Sr. He passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Florida, surrounded by the love of his family.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife—and lifelong "girlfriend"—Kathleen (MacDonald) Bartlett, with whom he shared an extraordinary 73 years of marriage. Their love story began in 1952 while Bill was on shore leave. His ship was docked in Newport Harbor when he met Kathy at the legendary Rhodes on the Pawtuxet ballroom. On the very first night they met, Bill told her he was going to marry her. True to his word, they were married in February 1953, beginning a partnership defined by unwavering love, laughter, and devotion.
Nothing brought Bill greater joy than his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of his world, and the values he instilled in them—integrity, perseverance, kindness, and unconditional love—will continue to shape generations to come. His grandsons perhaps said it best: "What a legacy he built."
Bill is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Kathleen (Cile) Moreno and her husband, Raul, and Susan Lamoureux and her husband, Kenneth. He also leaves behind his cherished grandsons, Erich Jaeger and his wife, Abby, and Stephen Jaeger and his wife, Jill; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Patrick, Jack, Henry, Harlow, and Zachary Jaeger.
He is also survived by his brother, Lawrence "Larry" Bartlett and his wife, Claudia Codding Bartlett; his sisters-in-law, Isabella (MacDonald) Smith and Jeanne (MacDonald) D'Agostino; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, dear friends, and extended family whose lives were enriched by his presence.
Bill proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. His military career spanned an extraordinary 43 years, 10 months, and 17 days of combined active duty and reserve service in both the United States Navy and the United States Army. A deeply devoted soldier, he was honorably discharged on July 7, 1991, with the rank of Master Sergeant, a distinction that reflected his unwavering commitment to duty, honor, and country.
Bill's commitment to service extended well beyond his military career. A devoted Mason, he was an active member of the Masonic Order for many years, serving as Past Master of both Hamilton Lodge and Overseas Lodge in Rhode Island. He was also a proud member of the Scottish Rite and the Shriners, organizations through which he found lasting friendships and embraced opportunities to serve his community with the same humility, generosity, and dedication that defined every aspect of his life.
Following his active military service, Bill built a successful career as a skilled tool and die maker with Pratt & Whitney, Kaman Aircraft, and Bostitch, while continuing his service as a Reservist.
It was while working full-time at Bostitch that Bill discovered what would become his life's true calling. He was invited to teach adult education courses in metalworking and welding at the Coventry, Rhode Island Vocational School. There, he realized his passion for teaching and mentoring others. Determined to pursue that calling, Bill enrolled in college part-time in his mid-forties while simultaneously working full-time, teaching evening classes, and supporting his family.
Even before completing his bachelor's degree, Bill's talent as an educator was recognized. Armed with an emergency teaching certificate, he accepted a full-time teaching position at Coventry High School before later teaching at Coventry Middle School. He went on to earn both his Bachelor's Degree in Education and Master's Degrees in Education and Special Education from Rhode Island College.
Throughout his teaching career, Bill inspired countless students, many of whom carried his lessons far beyond the classroom. One student, Richard Paquette, became much more than a former pupil. Richard remained a constant presence throughout Bill's life and was embraced by Bill and the entire family as the son he never had—a relationship built on mutual respect, love, and lifelong friendship.
Sports were another lifelong passion. Bill especially loved basketball and coached the Masonic DeMolay basketball team in Scituate, Rhode Island, for many years, with Kathy always by his side supporting the team. He later coached both of his daughters in softball and enthusiastically followed his sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as they competed in hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, and countless other athletic pursuits.
There wasn't a sport Bill didn't enjoy. Basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, bowling, and billiards all became part of his competitive spirit. Even into his ninety-fourth year, he could still surprise his grandsons by running the table at pool, proving that experience often outplays youth.
Music and dancing brought Bill equal happiness. He never passed up an opportunity to dance with Kathy or his daughters. Some of the family's happiest memories were simple Sunday afternoons gathered in the formal living room, spinning records on the old Stromberg-Carlson console. Together they would enthusiastically sing songs from My Fair Lady, belting out, "The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain," at the top of their lungs.
Bill possessed a beautiful singing voice and sang for many years in the choir at Scituate Baptist Church. Later in life, he delighted in singing karaoke with his son-in-law and never missed an opportunity to serenade Kathy with timeless classics like "Unforgettable."
Above all else, Bill will be remembered as a man of integrity, quiet strength, endless generosity, and unwavering love. He taught by example, gave without expecting anything in return, and left everyone fortunate enough to know him a little better for having crossed his path.
Although his physical presence will be profoundly missed, his love, wisdom, and example will remain forever etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Cheers to singing, dancing, bowling, good food, fine Scotch, and eternal love in Heaven, Papa Bear. We will miss you every day, until we meet again.
Interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family invites you to honor Bill's memory by raising a glass in celebration of a life well lived, and toasting to health, happiness, and the joy of family and friends.
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