Joseph "Joe" Bartholomew

 Joseph Norbert Bartholomew, aka “Joe”,” Norbie”,” Papa”, “ Judd”, “Papa Judd”,” Pop”, and “Grandpa”, of Littleton, New Hampshire, formally Randolph, MA and Dorchester, MA, passed away Saturday, October 16, 2021, in Littleton, surrounded by family, after a long, fierce battle with cancer.

He was the son of the late William “Bardo” and Anne (Frank) Bartholomew of Randolph, MA. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years, Mary and his cherished dog, Lucy; his daughter Christina and her husband Robert Lang of Stoughton, MA; their children, Billy Lang and wife, Samantha of Derry, New Hampshire, Natasha Lang from Wareham, MA; Ryan Lang of Woodstock, New Hampshire and Brendan Lang of Stoughton, MA; his son, Keith Bartholomew and his wife Val, their daughter Ellie and son Joey of Abington, MA; his son, Dan Bartholomew and his wife Allison, and their daughters Lily and Margaux of Plymouth, MA; and his grand dogs, Bardo, Burke, and Ace. Joseph is also survived by his brothers; Stephen Bartholomew and his wife Dolores of Huntersville, NC; William Bartholomew and his wife Bridget of Boston, MA; and Brian Bartholomew and his wife Carolyn of Boston, MA; and many nieces and nephews. Joe was also an adopted father figure to many of his children’s friends and a role model to countless others.

Joe attended Saint Kevin’s in Dorchester, MA; Mission High School in Roxbury, MA; and the University of Saint Dunstan’s in Prince Edward Island, Canada, where he played Football and Basketball. After college he worked a number of jobs but settled at “America's Oldest Locksmith,” Boston Lock and Safe. Joe had many hobbies, most of which were or included athletics. He never missed his kids’ athletic events or an opportunity to coach one of his children’s teams. In his later years, he loved playing tennis, and teaching his grandchildren it as well. He also enjoyed bike rides with his grandchildren through Franconia Notch, the streets of Littleton, or the trails near Mount Washington. He was a talented golfer, who never lost a round to his sons. He was also always up for a hike with his grandchildren in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He enjoyed downhill skiing with his grandchildren, but his true love was Nordic skiing, especially the Stickney system of the Bretton woods high county. He always claimed he wasn’t a local sports fan, but conveniently knew all the scores and records, and never hesitated to watch a game. Joe and Mary always hosted the grandchildren for “Camp Mima and Papa.” A week- long stay at their house where activities included, water parks, lunch in Canada, lots of swimming in Echo Lake and Newfound Lake, blueberry picking, Cog Railway trips, Cannon Tram rides, and road trips to far off distances on the map. Joe was a master campfire chef, he even claimed to have mastered the art of “toasting the perfect marshmallow." In Littleton, Joe became friendly with the nuns in the convent up the street from their house, he often volunteered his time assisting in their garden. He was also an avid gardener at home. He found many ways to pass the time by attending local North Country events such as outdoor concerts in the park or over-eating at a local chili cook-off. Or having in-depth conversations with his older grandchildren providing financial guidance, work ethics, and car buying advice. He loved winter in the north country, particularly tending to a wood fire stove, putting on snowshoes just to take out the trash, and much to Mary’s disapproval, feeding a coal stove he loved and boasting about it any chance he could. Joe kept very busy in the winter, but always enjoyed a nice escape to somewhere warm. There are many fond memories we could share, but the world lost a great man and fond stories will be spoken of him forever. 

Memorial Donations in Joe’s name can be made to the charity of your choice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 22nd at 10:00 am, at Saint Rose of Lima Church, 77 Clay St, Littleton, NH, 03561, with Father Mark Dollard officiating.  

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