Donald C. BARTO

Donald Curtiss Barto, 96, of Quakertown, died peacefully on June 5, 2022 at Lifequest Nursing Center. Don was the 4th of 7 children born to Gilbert and Elsie Wrye Barto in Ferguson Township, Centre County. He married Ruth Irene (Nowlin) on August 26, 1950 in Warriors Mark United Methodist Church. The couple would have celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary this year. Surviving in addition to his wife, Ruth, are twins – daughter Melea Ruth (husband P. Lynn Rupert, Jr.) and son, Curtiss Nowlin Barto, all of Quakertown; a grandson, Ryan Curtiss Rupert (wife Amanda) of Pennsburg; two great-grandsons, Jaxton Jeffrey and Jacoby Curtiss Rupert of Loyalsock Township, sisters Joyce Fink (husband Donald) of Blair County and Leona Smith of Ferguson Township. Don was predeceased by his parents and sisters Gail Dugan and Vivian Swortwood, and brothers Eddie and Merrill Barto. Don graduated from State College High School in 1944 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps that same year. He served as a cryptographer in WW II, spending time in Germany. After his service, he was a lifelong member of the VFW and American Legion. Don earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Education in 1950 from Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana University of PA) where he lettered on the college soccer team. Upon graduation, Don and Ruth moved to Quakertown that same summer and he began his teaching career at Quakertown Community Junior/Senior High School where he taught business courses and coached football and track. In 1956, he accepted a position in the accounting department of Endura Products, Inc. in Quakertown. Endura eventually became known as W.R. Grace & Co. from which Don retired in 1991 after working in the positions of purchasing agent, controller, and manufacturing manager. Don believed in and embodied a life of community and church service. He was a Quakertown Community School Board member for 18 years (1962-1979) and during that time he served terms as President and Treasurer. He was also appointed to the Upper Bucks County Technical School Joint Board where he served as President in 1972 and was instrumental in helping to promote vocational/technical education for students For 30 years, Don was appointed by the borough to serve on the Quakertown General Authority. At Quakertown United Methodist Church, Don served in many roles – Lay Leader, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Church Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair, Building Committee Co-Chair and Treasurer. In 2013, Don was the recipient of the Honorary Diploma award from the Quakertown Community High School Alumni Association. Over his lifetime, Don was an avid golfer, a devoted Pittsburgh Steeler fan, and a loyal Philadelphia Phillies fan. His greatest joy, however, was supporting and watching his children and grandson’s involvement in sports and activities. A service of remembrance will be held on June 11, 2022 at 11 AM at Quakertown United Methodist Church, 1875 Freier Road, Quakertown PA. A calling hour will precede the service from 10-11 AM. A burial service will be private. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the QUMC Endowment Fund, for educational grants, at the church address listed above.

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