Guido M. Bartholomew Jr., fondly known as “Papa Guido,” peacefully passed away at his Norristown home on February 8th, 2024, at the remarkable age of 95. His life, rich with love, hard work, and a generous spirit, leaves a lasting impact on his family and community, particularly through the cherished memory of Papa Guido’s Pizzeria.
Born on March 20, 1928, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Guido was the son of the late Anna (Branca) and Guido Bartholomei. He was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph and Anthony Bartholomew. Guido’s early life in Norristown laid the foundation for a life deeply rooted in family values and a strong work ethic.
Family was the cornerstone of Guido’s world. He found immense joy and purpose in his role as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His enduring love story began in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, where he met and married his beloved wife, Anna (Gatti), on July 24, 1952. Their marriage of 71 years was a testament to Guido’s unwavering devotion and commitment to Anna’s happiness. He is survived by Anna, their three daughters Adriane (Frank) Johnson, Anna Marie (Mitchell) Arra, and Marissa (John) Czop, along with eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who all brought immense pride to Papa Guido.
Professionally, Guido was a master carpenter, a craft he skillfully practiced throughout his life. For over three decades, he served as the Master Carpenter in the maintenance department at General Electric. His expertise wasn’t confined to his workplace; Guido personally built his family home, a residence that stood as a testament to his skill and became the heart of countless family gatherings for 48 years. This home, built by Papa Guido himself, became synonymous with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of Sunday dinners, welcoming family from near and far.
Beyond his carpentry career, Papa Guido’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through with the establishment of two businesses alongside his wife. Most notably, in 1989, they founded Papa Guido’s Pizzeria. This pizzeria, bearing his endearing nickname, became a local favorite and a symbol of Guido’s dedication and hard work in serving his community. He was deeply involved in the pizzeria, personally handling many of the building’s repairs and updates, showcasing his tireless work ethic even in his later years. Papa Guido’s Pizzeria stands as a tangible part of his legacy, a place where his values of hard work and community come to life.
Guido’s life was also characterized by his strong faith and service. He was a devout Catholic, attending Mass weekly, and proudly served in the U.S. Navy. In his younger years, Guido enjoyed traveling, especially to Italy and indulging in deep-sea fishing. His green thumb was evident in his thriving vegetable garden, a skill he lovingly passed on to his children and grandchildren. In later years, he found simple pleasures in family time, visits to local farms, and enjoying “The Three Stooges” with his cat, Mikki. Papa Guido’s kind heart, humor, and infectious smile will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Guido M. Bartholomew Jr.’s legacy extends beyond his professional accomplishments and into the hearts of those he touched. He leaves behind a powerful example of love, dedication, and the importance of family and community. The name Papa Guido’s will forever be associated with warmth, delicious food, and the enduring spirit of a remarkable man.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 16th at 11 AM at Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Norristown, with a viewing from 10 to 11 AM at the church, followed by burial at St. Patrick’s cemetery.
In remembrance of Papa Guido, and in lieu of flowers, the family suggests mass cards or donations to Habitat for Humanity ReStore West Norriton, reflecting Guido’s commitment to community and home building.
