George Anthony Barletta

George was born in 1937 and was the oldest of Anthony and Jean Barletta's two children. A gifted student, George received a full scholarship to Cooper Union in New York City. He graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree. He later obtained an MBA from CUNY Baruch College.

After graduation, George attended the New York Telephone Management Training Program. Over the next 35 years, he held numerous engineering and operations leadership roles across the Bell System. Highlights included overseeing the early adoption and use of computers; leading all cable installation and maintenance across Manhattan and the Bronx; and serving as a champion during the AT&T divestiture. Later in his career, he chose to return to his New York Telephone roots as an operations executive.

As a young adult, George enjoyed summers in the Hamptons, where he met his wife, Fran. They built a house in East Hampton and the family enjoyed over 30 summers on the East End playing tennis, sailing, and golfing with family and friends.

George was dedicated to his faith and donated his time and resources to the many causes that mattered to him — Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, Hill House, the Rosedale Community, the New York Telephone Executive Alumni Group, and more.

He loved to read, learn, and share his knowledge with his wife, children, and grandchildren. A long-time hands-on fix-it man, George could adjust your sump pump, hang your shelves, and then dive right into how to interpret changes to the federal interest rate. His family will always think of him in his recliner, perusing the Wall Street Journal and telling tales of his latest golf game.

When asked about his most important decisions, George said there were two: joining a fine organization like the Bell System and, most importantly, marrying Fran, to whom he was devoted for 60 years.

George is survived by his wife, his children, and their spouses, Matt Barletta, John and Marisa Barletta, and Kristen Barletta and Larry Zelvin. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Kayla and Mia Barletta, Katie and Alex Barletta, and Victoria, Thomas, and Nate Zelvin, along with nieces, nephews, and countless friends. He is predeceased by his sister Marie Barletta.

His family and all who knew him will miss his smile and will cherish the memory of his love and friendship.

Services for George Barletta will be held on Saturday, February 24, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church Chapel, 12905 SR 70 East, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. A reception will follow at Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center, 4310 Solutions Lane, Bradenton, FL 34211 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation, amyloidosis.org.

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