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James Henry Bartolomei Jr.
BROOKLYN — James Henry Bartolomei Jr., 74, of Brooklyn, died Aug. 25, 2024.
Born in Putnam, to Claire Robitaille (1929–2018) and James Bartolomei Sr. (1924–1976), Jim grew up on Vandale Street with his parents and six siblings. He attended St. Mary’s Church and Catholic school before heading to Putnam High School. After high school, he graduated from UConn with a bachelor’s in mathematics and a minor in intramural basketball, and later earned a master’s in teaching from ECSU.
Jim began working for the button factory in Putnam before starting his 30-plus year career at Putnam High School as a beloved mathematics teacher. While teaching, he also became a well-respected coach. He will be remembered for coaching girls’ soccer, boys’ basketball, and boys’ golf.
Jim retired from Putnam High School in 2013 but remained engaged in coaching.
Jim’s favorite job, however, was helping to raise his children, James Henry III and Lesley. He worked hard to provide for them, traveling to see them wherever they were —whether in D.C., Boston, New Hampshire, Maine, California, or their new homes in Madison, and Little Rock.
Jim met his wife Donna at the Willimantic Country Club in 1997. They fell in love and married in May 1998, and he became the stepfather to her three children. They bought a house in Lisbon and were involved in every moment of their children’s upbringing. Later, they moved to their home in Brooklyn, where Jim and Donna welcomed their dog and Jim’s best friend, Pedey (or Pedroia, like the former second baseman of the Boston Red Sox).
Jim loved the beach, with York Beach, Maine, being his favorite. He brought his children there each year, creating many cherished memories with them and his entire family.
Jim had many hobbies, particularly those involving a ball. His most profound love was golf; you could find him on the golf course all summer. Did you know he had three holes in one? He tied with Donna! Jim made many friends through golfing, some of whom joined him on golfing adventures. However, he could also be found on the basketball court, tennis court, or riding a bicycle.
He also loved to travel with friends. Notable places they traveled to include Ireland, Florida, New Hampshire, Maine, Alaska, Vermont, and Hawaii. He also went on a 41-day cross-country trip in 2001, during which Lesley and Jimmy flew out to California to join him for a few weeks. Jim and Donna also visited 15 major league baseball parks and many drives to Arkansas, among other destinations.
Jim was an avid reader who loved Dean Koontz, Nelson DeMille novels and many more. He enjoyed watching Star Trek, The Three Stooges, and Jeopardy. His musical tastes included Bob Dylan, Cream, Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, The Beatles, and more. He was a die-hard New England sports fan, rooting for his Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and, most of all, his UConn Huskies.
Jim was known for assigning nicknames to his friends that would stick with them for a lifetime. He was quick-witted, with colorful New England sarcasm, grounded by his laid-back, go-with-the-flow attitude. He never shied away from sharing his opinions on current affairs and politics.
He leaves his wife of 26 years, Donna Bartolomei; his son, James Henry Bartolomei III (Suzanne), along with grandchildren Lily Grace and James Henry IV of Little Rock; his daughter, Lesley Young (Doug), along with grandchildren Alexa and Drew of Madison; stepchildren Laura Laidley (Larry), of Jewett City, Justin Loura (Jenn) of Columbia, and Kayla Simpson (Steve), of Marlborough; his dog, Pedey; siblings John A. Bartolomei (Pamela), Jeffrey F. Bartolomei (Laura Burke), Jay R. Bartolomei (Karen), Jo-Ann B. Dean; Joyce D. Adams and Dr. Jill M. Espelin; nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Putnam Elks Lodge, 64 Edmond St., Putnam. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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