Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

June 21, 1926 - January 14, 2019

Bartos, Joseph, age 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 14, 2019 in his beloved home, surrounded by his family.

The son of Polish immigrants, Pearl and Louis, Joe and his three brothers, Ed, Ted and Chuck, were raised in a small house in Horning, PA. Joe was an amazing athlete, graduating from Baldwin High School with four-year varsity letters in golf, soccer, football, and basketball. Joe loved his country and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II as paymaster on eight different vessels. Honorably discharged on August 1, 1946, he always proudly waved an American flag in his yard. Joe's major passion in life was golf. Working as a caddy at South Hills Country Club during his youth is where his love affair for the game began. He beat Arnold Palmer in an "18-hole match play event" in high school. In 1973, Joe married Draga Bartos and they together owned and managed the Southern Star, a local Baldwin bar/restaurant, best known for its fish sandwiches, homemade soups, and family feel. Joe was extremely proud of his Polish heritage, but upon marrying Draga, he became inducted into "little Brajcino" (Macedonian Village) on Brightview Avenue in Whitehall! He was suddenly immersed in pepper gardens, zelnik, unending front porch discussions (most times in a different language) at Baba's, and relatives who grew to love him as one of their own. Joe was a funny guy, with non-stop one-liners. He was a great storyteller, and even better debater, especially around politics, religion or the latest headlines. But his greatest gift of all was as a father and grandfather to his family. His family, especially his grandchildren, meant everything to him, and swelled him with non-stop pride. He loved unconditionally and was our biggest cheerleader. Joe is survived by so many, who miss him already. Wife, Draga; daughter, Patti (Rade) Opacic; grandchildren, Mirce and Melina; two daughters, Marcia and Cindy and their families; brother, Chuck; and numerous nieces and nephews who helped care for him to the end. Please join us in celebrating his life at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 from 3-8 p.m. Pomen at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Service on Thursday, January 17, 2019 in Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Sava Cemetery. There will NOT be an hour visitation in church prior to the service, however all are welcome to process from the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, 450 Maxwell Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. Please send condolences to www.johnfslater.com