Benjamin Bartolome - Obituary

ENJAMIN FELICIANO BARTOLOME, 85 On the morning of April 4, 2016, Bart passed on at his home in Fort Washington, Maryland, United States, surrounded and comforted by family after a lingering illness and finally succumbing to congestive heart failure after a bout with Bronchitis. Bart was 85 years old. Bart attended the University of the Philippines, College of Fine Arts along with the renowned late National Artist Jose Joya. In his younger years, Bart was regarded by family both in the U.S. and the Philippines as an avid sportsman. He demonstrated superior competency in fencing, track-and-field, and sailing. An excellent marksman, he garnered medals for competitive marksmanship. A former commercial artist of The Washington Post art department, Bart’s creative talents were evidenced in his landscape paintings and portraits, most notably those commissioned by Katherine Graham which hung in the lobby of the newspaper headquarters. A true artist, he did not confine himself to one medium. He was expertly skilled in water colors, acrylic, oils, charcoal, pastel, illustration and sculpture. He had a particular affinity for caricature and Herb Block, formerly of the Washington Post editorial cartoonist asked Bart to create an editorial cartoon. An avid traveler, Bart loved meeting people, establishing friendships in every country he visited. Also, a freelance photographer, Bart was the recipient of Washington Post awards for his photos which were submitted for internal competition. These thought-provoking photos were captured during his travels as well as from simple everyday items which he translated into his artistic renderings. He had a keen sense of perception when it came to assimilating elements in a scene and creating his vision for all to behold. Family and friends alike, regard Bart as a man who was very giving of his time. Many asked him for advice regarding life issues, art, photography and myriad topics. He freely and humbly helped whenever needs arose. He was famous for saying, “What can I do you for?” Bart was a true mentor. Oftentimes, he used his artistic talents to tutor his children’s grade school classes, and later his grandson’s class in Florida. The now grown-up classmates still remember him fondly. He also taught fencing to his daughter and a handful of her elementary-aged classmates, and later he formed classes for a Maryland high school. Some of his students earned scholarships to college based on their fencing abilities. Bart is survived by his wife, Beatriz (Mata), and children Cindy Reeves, Malu Barbieri, and Arsenio III “Chito”. Grandchildren include: Jeff, Denny, Caitlin, Cassidy, Velo and one great-grandchild, Bianca. One individual who must be mentioned is Rafael Pargas, whom Bart considered to be his devoted and lifelong friend. Survivors and their families in the U.S. include: · Francisco & Linda Bartolome (nephew) · Emerita (Mata) Dela Merced Capito (sister-in-law), husband Doc Capito, and her children: Jojo, Bing, Bong, Ernest, Anna, Abic. · Joy Mata (niece) · Julia (Mata) Montecillo (niece) · Edwardo & Minda Herrera Survivors and their families in the Philippines include: · Eliz (Bartolome) and Rene Cristobal · Archit & Nenne Bartolome · Ched (Bartolome) and Oying Kimwell · Nestor Mata (brother-in-law) and his children: Jan, Mike, Rene (deceased), Francis, (Joy and Julia previously mentioned). · He was predeceased by his sisters: Nery Bartolome, Adriana (Bartolome) Claypool. A Memorial Service will be celebrated at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 2315 Brinkley Rd., Fort Washington, MD 20744 on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 11:00am.