Robert “Bart” R. Bartholomew, died June 30, 2021, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Hilda (Miller) Bartholomew.

He was a welder with Steamfitters Local 420, Philadelphia, for 50 years.

He trained at York Barbell Club. He was in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City and placed ninth in world in weightlifting. He won Mr. Lehigh Valley, among other competitions.

He was a 32nd degree Mason of Porter Lodge 284, of which he was a past master and a past High Priest of Catasauqua Royal Arch, Chapter 278. He was a member of Pocono Lodge 780, Allen Council 23 R.S.M.S., and of the Red Cross of Constantine Mary Conclave. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by a son, Michael A. and his wife Vicki; two grandchildren, Michael A. Jr. and Dillon R.; sisters, Charlotte Friend and Charlie and Gail Suarez; nieces; and nephews.

He was predeceased by four siblings.

Services are private.

Arrangements were made by Brubaker Funeral Home Inc., Catasauqua.