Bart Bratko, beloved husband of the late Dorothy (Petitto), father to Marlene Messina, and older brother to Laura Schlesinger and Flora Greenan, died at home surrounded by his family on February 7, 2016 after a long illness. He was 94 years old. He was deeply loved by his daughter, Marlene, adored by his three grandchildren, Christiana Nicholson, Lauren Messina and Jeffrey Messina, his daughter-in-law Greta Messina, son-in-law, Trevor Nicholson and his five great-grandchildren. Bart was born April 22, 1921 to Constance (Tego) and Spiro Bratko. He enlisted in the Army in May 26, 1943 rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. As a Flight Control Officer at Tibenham Air Base in England, Bart was in charge of the control tower handling take-offs and landings of heavy bombers on operational missions. Bart became a “Ham” radio operator in his teens, soloed a Taylorcraft at the age of 18 and revived his love of flying at the age of 67, flying a Cessna 172XP, Bonanza F33 and Casa Saeta Spanish fighter jet. As a volunteer Angel Flight pilot, he flew patients to and from hospital appointments for more than two decades. At the age of 81 years and 176 days, Bart became the oldest person ever to obtain a flight instructor certificate solidifying his place in the Guinness Book of World Records. He earned his Civil Engineering degree from Northeastern University in 1968 and was owner/partner of Bart Bratko Corporation and Seaman-Bratko General Contractors in Wellesley and Holliston, MA. Our family would like to acknowledge that it was a collaboration of individual talents, specialties and services that enabled our father/grandfather to remain at home safely and comfortably during his passing. We thank Bart’s loyal friend, Fred, as well as the nurses, therapists and social workers who helped care for him at home. We are grateful to Massachusetts General Hospital, North Shore Medical Center Union Hospital in Lynn, MA, the Natick Visiting Nurses Association and Good Shepherd Community Care of Newton, MA. If you wish to make a donation in his name, please do so in a way that is most meaningful to you.

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