John Andrew Bartyczak
December 20, 1933 ~ August 24, 2021
John Andrew Bartyczak died peacefully at home in Oakton, Virginia, on August 24, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was born in Allison #1, Pennsylvania, the youngest of eight children, on December 20, 1933.
Devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was preceded in death by his parents: Aniela and Josef, siblings: Rose, Frank, Andy, Joe, Albert, Tony and Mary. He left us to join his one and only true love, Margaret L. Bartyczak (née Skala). John and Marge were married and devoted to each other for 51 amazing years. Together they would travel anywhere to dance the polka, even if it was just in the kitchen. They loved dancing, family and God.
John leaves behind six children: Joanne Gatti (Michael), Dianne Irby (Christopher), Teresa Kuehmeier (Joseph), John Bartyczak, Mark Bartyczak, and Margaret-Mary Jobson (Ian); eleven grandchildren: Regina (Brian), Philip, John Raymond (Alyssa), Kathleen, Joseph (Paola), Zachary (Christine), Stephen (Fiorella), John Matthew, Daniel, Nicolas, and Eric; and ten great-grandchildren: Austin, Jocelyn, David, Micheal, Briella, Julia, Isabella, Joseph, Lukas, Lyla, and countless nieces and nephews.
John was very proud to be a 1st generation American from Poland and joined the Army to serve his country. It was there that he came to the attention of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He was recruited as a computer analyst for FEMA because of his high intelligence and he spent his entire 39-year government career there.
Music was one of John’s passions. He sang like an angel, was an accomplished musician and even met his wife playing polkas at the Ivory Ballroom. He was a devout Catholic and was the choir director (volunteer, of course) for over 40 years at St. Mark in Vienna, VA. He played the clarinet and saxophone at every opportunity. He took great pleasure in bringing the joy of music to others however and whenever he could, whether at church, McDonalds or just walking through his neighborhood.
John touched so many lives in lasting and profound ways simply by just being kind to every person he met. He was also the best father for whom anyone could hope. What a wonderful world it would be if everyone were more like John. The world has lost the kindest and gentlest of men. He will truly be missed.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 31, 6:00pm - 8:00pm at St. Mark Catholic Church, 9970 Vale Road; Vienna, VA 22181. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, September 1, 11:00 am, at the church.
Interment will be held Monday, November 22, 2:00 pm at St. Mark Columbarium, 9970 Vale Road; Vienna, VA 22181.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, Heartland Hospice or, because John loved everyone, a charity of your choice.
For those traveling, local hotels include:
Courtyard Fairfax – Fair Oaks – 11220 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax (703) 273-6161
Best Western Fairfax – 3535 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax (703) 591-5500
Springhill Suites – 11191 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax (855) 656-1783
Hilton Garden Inn – Fairfax – 3950 Fair Ridge Drive, Fairfax (855) 680-3239
Hampton Inn – Fairfax – 10860 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax (833) 853-1642
Devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was preceded in death by his parents: Aniela and Josef, siblings: Rose, Frank, Andy, Joe, Albert, Tony and Mary. He left us to join his one and only true love, Margaret L. Bartyczak (née Skala). John and Marge were married and devoted to each other for 51 amazing years. Together they would travel anywhere to dance the polka, even if it was just in the kitchen. They loved dancing, family and God.
John leaves behind six children: Joanne Gatti (Michael), Dianne Irby (Christopher), Teresa Kuehmeier (Joseph), John Bartyczak, Mark Bartyczak, and Margaret-Mary Jobson (Ian); eleven grandchildren: Regina (Brian), Philip, John Raymond (Alyssa), Kathleen, Joseph (Paola), Zachary (Christine), Stephen (Fiorella), John Matthew, Daniel, Nicolas, and Eric; and ten great-grandchildren: Austin, Jocelyn, David, Micheal, Briella, Julia, Isabella, Joseph, Lukas, Lyla, and countless nieces and nephews.
John was very proud to be a 1st generation American from Poland and joined the Army to serve his country. It was there that he came to the attention of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He was recruited as a computer analyst for FEMA because of his high intelligence and he spent his entire 39-year government career there.
Music was one of John’s passions. He sang like an angel, was an accomplished musician and even met his wife playing polkas at the Ivory Ballroom. He was a devout Catholic and was the choir director (volunteer, of course) for over 40 years at St. Mark in Vienna, VA. He played the clarinet and saxophone at every opportunity. He took great pleasure in bringing the joy of music to others however and whenever he could, whether at church, McDonalds or just walking through his neighborhood.
John touched so many lives in lasting and profound ways simply by just being kind to every person he met. He was also the best father for whom anyone could hope. What a wonderful world it would be if everyone were more like John. The world has lost the kindest and gentlest of men. He will truly be missed.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 31, 6:00pm - 8:00pm at St. Mark Catholic Church, 9970 Vale Road; Vienna, VA 22181. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, September 1, 11:00 am, at the church.
Interment will be held Monday, November 22, 2:00 pm at St. Mark Columbarium, 9970 Vale Road; Vienna, VA 22181.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, Heartland Hospice or, because John loved everyone, a charity of your choice.
For those traveling, local hotels include:
Courtyard Fairfax – Fair Oaks – 11220 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax (703) 273-6161
Best Western Fairfax – 3535 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax (703) 591-5500
Springhill Suites – 11191 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax (855) 656-1783
Hilton Garden Inn – Fairfax – 3950 Fair Ridge Drive, Fairfax (855) 680-3239
Hampton Inn – Fairfax – 10860 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax (833) 853-1642
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Dad touched so many lives in profound and lasting ways simply by just being kind to every person he met. The world would truly be a wonderful place if everyone lived life like he did. The words I have been hearing over and over again are “he was the kindest, gentlest man they knew.”
Dad coached our softball team. He accepted everyone and everyone got a chance to play every game regardless of talent (or lack there of). We had winning teams. He brought out the best in all of us.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
One of my favorite memories is listening to KDKA radio at night, in the car, with my dad. Since we lived in VA, that was the only way we could hear the Pittsburgh Pirates play baseball. Dad was a huge fan. He loved sports and children. All the neighborhood kids knew this and couldn’t wait for my dad to get home from work so they could come over to play. Depending on the season, we would play kickball, softball, basketball or football. Basketball had to be played in the backyard because the backboard was nailed to a tree. The tree, as did we, grew every year and still the kids kept coming over to play. Our yard was the scene of many heated games and my dad was always in the middle of them. As my mom liked to say, he was her 7th kid.
We grew up in a household filled with love. Dad led by example. In sports, he taught us that it “doesn’t matter if you win or lose as long as you had fun. This went for board games as well as softball, basketball and football. Regardless of the score we always felt like winners. Dad also taught us that prayer was very important and singing meant we prayed twice. Dad, thank you for the music, the songs we’re singing. Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing”. Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty, what would life be – without a song or a dance what are we. So I say: “Thank you for the music for giving it to me” Dad always encouraged us to sing a song; sing it loud and strong; sing of good things, not bad; sing of happy, not sad. Just sing a song. Dad, we will continue to play and sign as you taught so many of us throughout the years – loud, strong, and with all our hearts.
You couldn’t wish to meet a more genuine, honest and generous man. He truly lived by the word of the lord. He never judged, he never criticized (well except for some NFL commentators) and never imposed his beliefs on others. His heart was full of love and charity for others and he demonstrated it every single day of his life. I am convinced if we all could be just a little like Dad, the world would be a much better place. Fly high my friend, you certainly deserve the wings of an angel.
RIP John.
John, Martin and I have fond memories of you, and how you made us so welcome at your family reunion in St Augustine. We also loved spending a wonderful family Christmas in your home. Such precious memories.
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It’s sooo lovely! Thank you so much ❤️
John, We regret that we were unable to know you better but we do know how much your children love you. You were a kind, loving, talented polka master and the king of clarinet. We hope that you are enjoying being reunited with your wife in Heaven, and are proudly watching your children live the way that you both dreamed they would – happily and loved. Love, Sabi & Brian
Dear Bartyczak Family: I am saddened to learn of your dad’s passing. My family moved to Valewood Manor in August 1969. Your family moved across the street from us a short time later. I was a year ahead of Dianne and Joanne, but my sister Vicki became close with Terry. Your dad was so gracious to allow all of us neighbor kids to play kickball in your front yard. He let everyone play and we had many spirited games. Your father was a kind, wonderful man. I always looked forward to the terrific Grinch display on your house when I returned home for Christmas each year. I heard that Mark was responsible for the display, but I’m sure your dad played a big part. Larry Houck
There are so many memories of dad. He taught us to play the piano – by ear – after he brought a piano from a neighbor in Winchester who was moving and who didn’t want to pay to move the piano. 1st song – Catch a Falling star and put it in your pocket … He helped with homework. To this day I spell awkward AW-KW-ARD like a football cheer. We used to play softball in PA on our mom’s family farm. He was on the other team. Joanne had a collie dog named Ceasar. She trained him to attack by knocking people down. Dad hit a home run and Joanne told Ceasar to “hit” as dad was rounding 3rd base and Ceasar knocked dad down before he touched home plate. We tagged dad out. He was a good sport. He was our mom’s primary caregiver when her Alzheimers got bad. I am SO PROUD that he was my dad and I know that he must be happy now with mom and his entire family who have gone before him. Rest in peace? He is playing his clarinet and dancing the polka – I doubt there is much rest for him. I will miss his physical presence but his memories will bring me joy and love forever.