James "Bart" Bartosky

James “Bart” Bartosky

James “Bart” Francis Bartosky passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on June 1, 2025.

Bart was born August 11, 1944 in Toledo, OH to the late Frank Bartosky and Teresa (Bauer) Bartosky. He attended public and parochial schools in Rossford, Ohio, eventually graduating as Class President from Rossford High School in 1962. He was a multiple time varsity athlete in basketball and baseball.

Bart then attended Ohio University, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1967. In the years that followed, he took graduate classes at Bowling Green State University and University of Toledo, eventually earning his Master’s degree from the University of Toledo.

Bart was a lifelong educator and taught for 43 years at Penta County Vocational School (1967-69) and Lake High School (1969-2010). At Lake, he served as Chairman of the Social Studies Department, where he taught Law, U.S. History, Psychology, Sociology, Government, World Cultures, and Philosophy of World Religions. He was a dynamic teacher who challenged students to think critically about the world around them.

He coached numerous sports, including basketball (29 years; 7 years as head coach), boys and girls tennis (21 years), track (15 years), and football (8 years). He was later enshrined in the Lake High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Bart lived out his vocation, firmly committed to the belief in education for all, while experiencing great personal reward through instruction. His passion for learning extended beyond the classroom to time spent reading, in quiet reflection, or engaged in healthy debate. As a teacher and coach, he was revered by students and colleagues alike, regularly encountering people in the community whose lives he had transformed. He always took the time to extend a warm greeting or share a fond memory.

Over the years, Bart cherished camaraderie with friends through the game of golf, playing on Casa Barron’s softball team, and breakfast outings with fellow retirees. He was a fan of the University of Michigan (along with the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns) and made numerous trips to Ann Arbor for football games.

In every respect, Bart valued the finer things in life, showing an appreciation for music, poetry, and the beauty that surrounded him. He treasured vacations with family and friends to places that provided solace, including northern Michigan and the island of Aruba. His pool was a place of sanctuary for him and his wife, Kathie, during their summer breaks. He also provided much love and devotion to each of their dogs: Briley, Simba, and Zoey.

Bart made a lasting impact on all who surrounded him, especially his family whose lives he deeply touched. He is survived by his wife Kathie Fuhrer Bartosky (married 34 years); younger sister Kathy Losonsky (Norm, deceased); several nephews and nieces, including Todd Losonsky (Jenny), Keith Losonsky, Brad Losonsky (Angie), and Patrick Gill (Casey); great nieces Mazie Losonsky, Emmy Gill, and Auden Gill; and great nephew Owen Gill. He was preceded in death by his older sister Marilyn Wine.

The family is extremely grateful to Bart’s care team at Maumee Pointe Assisted Living & Memory Care for helping to make his stay comfortable during his final years.

The visitation will be held from 10 a.m.-Noon on Friday, June 27, 2025 at Witzler-Shank Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, Ohio. A Celebration of Life service will immediately follow. Burial will be held in private at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bart’s honor to an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.