In Memory

Steve Bartha

Steve Bartha

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Stephen Martin Bartha, of Petoskey, died peacefully at home on January 21, 2018, surrounded by those he loved.

Stephen was born on September 8, 1949 in Philadelphia, PA, to Stephen W. Bartha and Dorothea L. (Hirsch) Bartha.  He was the oldest of four.  His sisters, Annemarie and Karen, live in Pennsylvania with their families; his younger brother, Martin, preceded him in death in 2000.  Stephen's happiest memories were dancing Doo-wop as a teenager at Wagner's Ballroom.  He was an excellent dancer and pure joy on the dance floor.  Stephen graduated from Drexel University with a degree in Economics and Statistics in 1972.  He moved to Harbor Springs, MI, in 1976.

Stephen was dedicated to his work as a tax accountant, but he was defined by his passions: Scouting, stamp and coin collecting, travel, and food.  Scouting in particular brought Stephen joy and gave him an early opportunity to explore the world beyond his neighborhood in Philly, escaping into the wonders of the Pocono Mountains.  He dedicated life to instilling the virtues and values of Scouting in generations of young men and women long after he became an Eagle Scout.  The woods were his religion and he was guided by a set of iron-clad values and a moral compass that never failed him.  Stephen is remembered by all who knew and loved him for his spirit of generosity and enthusiasm for life. 

Survivors include his children: Steve Bartha of Danvers, MA, John Bartha of Petoskey, MI, and Natasha Bartha of East Glacier, MT; his step-children, Amora Wilkins of Missoula, MT, Christina Kolberg of Hazel Park, MI, and Dan Kolberg of Petoskey, MI; and his beloved grandchildren, Zyphera, Serenity, Evalynn, Giuliana, and Jack.

A celebration of Stephen's life is being planned for June 10, 2018.  For details, please email his son, Steve, at CelebrateStephen@gmail.com.

Donations can be made in Stephen's honor to the Little Traverse Conservancy on their website under memorials/honorariums (https://landtrust.org/memorial-or-honorarium) by specifying his name, or by check to LTC, 3264 Powell Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740.  Proceeds will fund a new woodstove at the Andreae Cabin - a place Stephen loved.



 
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09/30/21 01:13 PM #1    

Sue Binik (Morris)

I am very saddened to hear of Steve's passing. Though I didn't know him very well, I do remember his friendly manner and happy smile. It's funny because I can remember his voice. RIP .

09/30/21 03:35 PM #2    

Marjorie Logan (Macartney)

I remember Steve from Julia Ward Howe Elementary School.  He was a fun loving character who always wore a smile.  Over the years I often wondered what happened to him.  I'm glad he had a happy life but sad he died so young.  

Marjorie (Logan) Macartney

 


09/30/21 06:27 PM #3    

Ira Graffman

THIS IS A TRIBUTE TO STEVE FROM HIS SISTER ANNMARIE:

He remained a big presence in Petoskey Michigan as a Boy Scout AND Girl Scout Leader.(Plus a business owner and accountant)
 
His funeral was at a scout reserve cabin named for him, overlooking a stream, in the woods.We, his family and friends and scouts took turns telling stories about him around the campfire.Many young people were positively affected by his leadership and friendship. I got a chance to talkabout what a great role model he was as a brother. He had his own painting business at the age of 12and I was his employee at the age of 8. He used to dance at Wagner Ballroom. He drove a green 56 Chevy.
 
I miss him every day. As a teen I got to meet Eddie Atkitunis, his friend from Olney. Eddie
was on the football team and dated someone we knew, Lynn. Eddie died in Viet Nam. I
saw his name on the wall at the memorial in Washington. Very moving. I never forgot him.

09/30/21 09:18 PM #4    

Rochelle Kratky

I went to elementary school, junior high, and high school with Steve. He was kind, generous, and caring. Condolences to his family and friends. R I P. 


10/03/21 02:20 PM #5    

Darlene Roundtree (Walker)

It's always sad to hear the passing of one of our classmates.  Although, I did not know Steve, I remember seeing him in the hallways...always with a big smile.  RIP Steve!

 


10/06/21 09:02 PM #6    

Michael Hofkin

I considered Steve a friend at Olney , we shared a few classes , he was a pretty smart guy and a good dresser. I think I recall him telling me he was from Broad and Olney . I would also see him at Wagners , he was a good dancer . This was my favorite place to be at 1:00 on a Sunday and I would always look for Steve just to say hi and see how he was doing . He will be missed by all who knew him . R.I.P. Steve   


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