Obituary of Francis Bartone

Francis F. Bartone, 79, a retired pediatric urologist, died of respiratory failure Sunday, February 20, at Quadrangle in Haverford. Dr. Bartone, a Philadelphia native, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and Jefferson Medical College. He was board-certified in general surgery as well as urology and served as Professor of Surgery in Urology and Chairman of the Department at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for 22 years. By 1988 he wanted to be closer to his beloved Philadelphia and took a job on staff at the Geisinger Clinic in Danville until his retirement in 1999.

While a student at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Bartone led the 1953 fencing team to its first NCAA championship. In addition to winning many fencing awards he was a two-time All American fencer and was inducted into the University of Pennsylvania Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.

During his retirement years he was an avid tennis player and was active as a Recreational Coach with the United States Professional Tennis Association.

Dr. Bartone is survived by his long time companion, Gretchen VanDenbergh, stepsons Robert and David Huskey, a sister, Sr. Carlotta Bartone, former wife Jerelen Bartone and five grandchildren.

Services and Interment are private.