Leslie S. “Les” Bartow, 89, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 29, 2014. Born February 17, 1925, he grew up in Montclair, N.J. Les served his country in Western Europe in the Army Artillery during WWII. He returned to earn his B.A. in Recreational Studies from Springfield College. He, Mary, his beloved wife of 55 years, and three young children established their home in Andover, MA in 1960. In addition to other positions held, Les was Director of Recreation in Andover from 1960-72. He championed construction of the Andover Recreation Center, made improvements in facility and program at Pomps Pond, and pioneered extensive recreational opportunities for the citizens of Andover.
Les was an avid music lover who sang in his church choir and other vocal groups. His musical legacy will carry on through his children and grandchildren. He loved to perform “Hey, It’s Your Birthday,” a song he arranged for friends and family. In 2009, Les married Ruth Brunquell Bartow and in his words, spent his remaining years “blissfully gazing into her eyes.” He enjoyed classic movies and was a Sudoku aficionado.
Les was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Terry Bartow, in 2007, and his daughter, Margaret (Meg) Bartow Batcheller, in 2014. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Brunquell-Bartow, of Andover, son, Terry (Sandy) Bartow, of St. Augustine, FL, daughter, Pamela Bartow (Sandro) Carasso, of Milan, Italy, son-in-law, Burton Batcheller, of Methuen, three step-children, Scott (Rene) Brunquell, Carol (Mike) Sutcliffe, Katie Brunquell, all in the area, six grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be celebrated in the Faith Lutheran Church, 360 South Main Street, Andover on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at 2 PM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. For additional information and on line condolences, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com