Bruce E. Bartuska, 65, of Avoca, PA passed away peacefully at home on Monday, September 30, 2019. Born in Trenton, NJ and raised in Pittston, PA, he was the son of the late John Bartuska & Eleanor Kurtinitis-Bartuska.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother John Bartuska and his beloved Uncle Albert Kurtinitis whom he shared many wonderful memories with.
Bruce retired from the Luzerne County Transportation Authority and was a lifetime Member of the Pittston City Fire Department. During retirement, he was acting partner with his son in Tim's Chili and Salsa.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Patti Clifford-Bartuska; son Timothy Bartuska and his wife Alana; daughters Linda Bartuska-Cortes, Christine Bartuska-Rios and husband Angel, and Megan Bartuska-Laudato and husband Ray. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren who he adored, Nicholas Cortes, Sophia Laudato, Shae Bartuska, Timmy Bartuska. Jr., Harper Bartuska, and Scarlett Laudato.
He is also survived by his brother, Albert Bartuska and wife Lourdes of Philadelphia, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, mother, brother and sister in-laws.
Bruce enjoyed watching sports and was a die-hard Alabama and Philly fan. He enjoyed decorating the house for every holiday and being outdoors hunting & fishing. Most of all, Bruce enjoyed having his garden every year, growing tomatoes, and canning with his son.
Bruce loved his grandchildren dearly spending as much time as possible with them, teaching them to ride bikes, feed the birds, build snow forts and snowmen, playing board games and giving them lollipops.
If Bruce could say one last thing it would be "Roll Tide Roll"!
Our family would like thank Dr. Darlene Dunay, Old Forge, PA and the office staff for their compassion and care throughout the years.
In lieu of flowers and donations, please support an upcoming foundation that will be established per Bruce's wishes for kids fishing activities. Please make donations to Tim's Chili and Salsa, 110 Front St., Pittston Township, PA 18640.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 4th at 9:30am from Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea with a mass of Christian burial at 10:00am at Queen of The Apostles Church, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca with Fr. Phillip Sladicka officiating. Friends may call on Thursday evening, October 3rd from 5pm-8pm.