Loretta ‘Lori’ A. Bartley – Donora
Loretta “Lori” A. Bartley, 82, of Donora, passed away on Oct. 20, 2021, at Shadyside Hospital in Pitts-burgh. She was born on July 30, 1939, in McKeesport, the daughter of the late John and Anne Bozik Bartley. Surviving to cherish her memory are her sister, Judy Bartley; and several cousins. Lori was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish and its Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary. She attended St. Dominic Grade School in Donora and graduated from Donora High School. Lori received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from California University of Pennsylvania. She graduated from West Virginia University with a Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education, with a specialization in physical education and organizational planning. She also did post-graduate studies in continuing education at the University of Pittsburgh and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Lori held a Pennsylvania teaching certificate in health and physical education. Lori taught in the Ringgold School District for 37 years before retiring in 2004. During her career, she was nominated by her principal for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year in 1981-82. She also was nominated by her students and accepted to “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” in the years 1999, 2000 and 2004. At Ringgold, she was a physical education instructor, physical education chairperson and in 1996, became director of student activities until her retirement. Lori also established and built the Lady Rams volleyball team to a leading competitive sport. She was head coach for 11 years, during which time she guided the volleyball team to WPIAL section champions in the years 1979-80, 1982-83 (undefeated),1984-85 (undefeated) and 1985-86 (undefeated). The team was in WPIAL postseason play from 1979 through 1985. Lori was named Coach of the Year by the Donora Chamber of Commerce in 1984. Lori was an assistant girls basketball coach at Ringgold for three years. She became the head volleyball coach at Carroll Middle School and created a winning team three of four years she coached. In addition, Lori coached the Donora St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church women’s basketball team to the district and national playoffs. Beside her coaching at Ringgold, she was involved in many activities within the school, which included liaison to Mon Valley Hospital Prevention Partner Task Force and Healthy Communities Program. She was an Act 211 Ringgold School District member, which is a state-mandated drug and alcohol program. Lori was a student assistance care team member, parent advisory guild member, Ringgold School District safety committee and playground committee member. She sponsored the senior class, junior class and student government at Ringgold High School. When not working at the school, Lori was involved with the first and only block watch program in Donora. Lori was an avid golfer, but also liked to play miniature golf. She loved playing cards, Scrabble, watching the Steelers and going to the Meadows Casino. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Donora campus. Friends are asked to arrive at the church by 8:45 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Dominic Cemetery, Donora. Arrangements have been entrusted to ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second St. Ext., Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-6900. To share a condolence please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com.
