Bartley Arthur Jeffery of Wayne, Pennsylvania, father, husband, musician, woodworker, photographer, dog-lover, mariner, patriot, and friend of many, joined his Higher Power on July 1. Bart would say he was “born in 1942 at an early age” in East Cleveland, Ohio. The second child of Charles Bartley Jeffery and Virginia Bourns Jeffery, he grew up in East Cleveland and attended Shaw High School, Class of 1960. As a varsity swimmer and lifeguard, he gravitated to the United States Coast Guard, where he enlisted and was stationed in South Florida following the Bay of Pigs Operation. He was later stationed in New London, where he would graduate from the University of Connecticut. Moved by his experience in the Coast Guard, Bart became an EMT and volunteered for decades in numerous ambulance corps. He lived in Ellington and worked for Southern New England Telephone (SNET) for many years before retiring and ultimately relocating to Wayne, Pennsylvania, where his sister, Carolyn Sherman, resided. An avid photographer, Bartley’s work was routinely featured on the cover of SNET phone books.

Bartley shared his family’s love of music and was self-trained. One of his greatest passions in life was his beloved Martin D-28. He was always quick to lead any gathering in song. A multi-instrumentalist, Bart would never let an empty piano remain silent, or a melody go unharmonized.

For the past 21 years, Bartley helped countless individuals on their journey through sobriety. A gifted sponsor, Bartley freely shared his experience, strength, and hope with friends as they journeyed together in sobriety. Using his talents in woodworking, Bart crafted hundreds of wooden anniversary-coin display triangles for those celebrating a sobriety anniversary. Bartley was known for his quick wit and perhaps his worst habit – telling terrible jokes, no kidding.

Bartley is survived by his son Sean M. Jeffery of Branford; daughter-in-law Teresa H. Seo; and granddaughter Emilia S. Jeffery; and his son Jason B. Jeffery of Weatogue; and grandson Joshua B. Jeffery. He is also survived by his love Myrna Jakobowski of Wayne, Pennsylvania. Bartley also leaves a niece, Elisabeth Sherman Slate, and husband, Chad Slate; and grandniece Abigail; and grandnephew Gavin Slate of Wayne, Pennsylvania.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at a future date. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to say hello to a neighborhood dog and maybe share some doggie treats. It’s a great way to get to know your four-legged neighbors and their companions. Bartley would very much approve! Alternatively, if you wish to donate, please consider the Main Line Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 89, Chester Springs, PA 19425, in memory of Bartley. Please be sure to mention Bartley’s name in the donation. God bless Bartley; let go and let God.