Neil S. Bartlett, 88

Taught science for more than 30 years in North Reading Public Schools

Published in the March 1, 2018 edition

LOWELL — Neil Sherman Bartlett, 88, a resident of Lowell for almost 83 years, died at his home on February 18, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Janet A. (McEvoy) Bartlett, with whom he had celebrated 61 years of marriage.

Born in Lowell, September 15, 1929, a son of the late Winthrop and Viola (Howker) Bartlett, he grew up in Lowell, attended Lowell public schools, and graduated from Lowell High School with the Class of 1947. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1947 to 1950. Later, he furthered his education, graduating from Lowell State Teachers College.

Neil taught music in Peterborough, N.H. for three years before accepting a position as science teacher with the North Reading school system, where he taught fourth- through sixth-grade students for more than 30 years.

He took great pride and joy in his family, especially time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Neil had a beautiful tenor voice, and for many years sang in and directed the choir at Christ Church United in Lowell. He also sang at the weddings of all his sons and grandchildren, as well as at many weddings and funerals of friends and relatives.

He loved to travel with Janet, and also enjoyed exploring different walking trails, usually bouncing a tennis ball as he went. He was an avid golfer in retirement, and spent many summer days traveling around Massachusetts with his good friend and golfing buddy, Leonard. He sang and danced his best in many shows put on by the Greater Lowell Music Theatre and the Dracut Community Chorus.

Neil is survived by five sons, Peter S. Bartlett and his wife Joan, Andrew Bartlett and his wife Debora, and Stephen Bartlett and his wife Camille, all of Lowell, Duncan Bartlett and his wife Gail of Tewksbury, and Robert Bartlett and his wife Debra of Londonderry, N.H. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Emily, Callie, Bethany, Elisha, Joel, Malorie, Jordan, Heather, Chelsea, Andrew, Justin, Jordan and Ashley as well as seven great-grandchildren, Julia, James, Jaxson, Benjamin, Lillian, Juliette and Lucas, and he was excitedly awaiting the arrival of his eighth great-grandchild.

Neil was part of a large family. He was predeceased by an older brother, Winthrop (Bud) Bartlett, a sister, Ruth Hermann, his step-mother, Nellie (Robinson) Bartlett, and two brothers-in-law, Alfred Huang and John McEvoy. He is also survived by Bud’s wife, Jeanne Bartlett of Weare, N.H., a brother, Dave Bartlett and his wife Pat of Maryland, a sister, Eleanor Huang of Irvine, California, a brother-in-law, Robert McEvoy and his wife Gabrielle of Westford, and 25 nieces and nephews.

Friends were received at the Morse-Bayliss Funeral Home, 122 Princeton Boulevard, Lowell, on February 21. His funeral service was held on February 22 at Christ Church United, 1 Bartlett Street, Lowell. Interment was private. To offer an online condolence, please visit Neil’s memorial tribute at www.morsebaylissfuneralhome.com.