Brock R. Bartholomew, proud Marine veteran
Brock R. Bartholomew, 77, passed away at home after a long illness Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, with his wife, Pennie, at his side. Prior to retiring in Delaware, Brock was a lifelong resident of the Allentown, Pa. area.
The only child of Russell and Jean (Clymer) Bartholomew, Brock was very close to his maternal grandparents and aunts as a child, and was always proud of his Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. He learned to dance, play cards, and party from his three young aunts, Marilyn, Erma and Sue, and remained in their lives as an adult. After graduating from Allen High School, Brock enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served his country from 1964-68. After returning home, he began a career in banking at First National in Allentown, working his way up through successor banks until retiring as vice president of commercial lending for Wells Fargo. During his tenure in commercial lending, he fostered close working relationships with many of the car dealers in Eastern Pennsylvania.
Upon his retirement from banking, Brock pursued his passion for wine education as a wine specialist at Fine Wines and Great Spirits, Saucon Valley. He loved teaching customers about wine and working with area restaurateurs, and his weekly wine tastings were a popular gathering spot for the wine community.
Throughout his life, Brock remained a proud veteran and loved talking to other vets about his years as an active-duty Marine. He always celebrated his Marine Corps birthday more than his own (although he expected a nice dinner on both days!). He was an avid bowler and golfer, and belonged to Blue Ridge and Woodstone Golf Clubs. He also loved to be by the ocean in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, and Ocean City, Md., and retired to beautiful Baywood Greens in Delaware to be closer to the water, as well as the golf course with Pennie.
Brock was preceded in death by his parents, Russel and Jean; and two aunts, Marilyn and Erma. He is survived by his wife, Pennie; as well as his children, Susan Stern and Brock W. Bartholomew; two stepchildren, Tina Degnan (David) and Jason Hoynash (Stephanie); six grandchildren, Alex, Savannah, Austin, Harry, Avery and Elliot; great-granddaughter, Ellie; and Aunt Sue.
A celebration of Brock’s life will be planned later in autumn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Toys for Tots.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com
