Guillermo Bartholomae

WEST BOYLSTON-Guillermo Bartholomae, 84, passed away at home on Friday, September 29th, with his loving daughters by his side.

Guillermo was born in Spain in 1939 during the Spanish Civil War, and six months later moved to Berlin, Germany, where he remained during World War II and the postwar period that followed. He worked over 30 years for the German Justice Department.  

Later in life, he returned to school and completed his master’s degree at Middlebury College, where he met his wife, Laurie. Guillermo returned to Germany with Laurie where they lived until returning to the USA to raise their daughters. Once here, Guillermo worked as a Spanish and German instructor at Hudson High School, Fitchburg State University, and Quinsigamond Community College. Many of his colleagues would become Guillermo’s lifelong friends, like Gabriel Cruz and Don Johnson, who still regularly met up at the Portuguese Club since retiring from teaching. 

Guillermo held many titles in his life: officer, professor, and friend were some of them. While all those titles were important to Guillermo, his favorite role was father.  He cherished spending time with his "guapitas", as he would call his adult daughters, Carissa and Constanza.  He was an amazing father, who was always there for them, whether he was helping them prepare for an important presentation, or accompanying them on a walk because they needed to clear their minds.  Guillermo’s daughters were the most important people to him, he was proud to be their father.

In addition to all the roles Guillermo filled in his life he will be remembered for his unparalleled sense of humor, often making those around him burst into tears from laughter. Guillermo loved watching soccer and the news, as well as spending time by the ocean. He inspired those around him with his positivity and kindness. His life experiences, growing up during two major wars, spending decades of his life as an officer and then an educator provided him with a wealth of knowledge that he willingly shared, often offering sage advice to those he sensed needed to hear it. All who knew Guillermo could tell a story of when he made them laugh, and one when he offered them comfort.

Guillermo is survived by his two daughters, Carissa and Constanza Bartholomae, of West Boylston, siblings-in-law Rick Baker and Anne Mork of Madison, Wisconsin, Scott Baker of Liberty Hill, Texas, Jackie Baker of Round Rock, Texas, nieces and nephews in Wisconsin and Texas, along with many other family members and friends in the United States, Spain, and Germany.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Laurie Bartholomae, and both of his brothers, Peter and Carlos Bartholomae, and his close friend George Koenig, who is waiting for him with a glass of red wine.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 21st from 9am-12pm at Fay Brothers Funeral Home at 1 W. Boylston Street, West Boylston, MA. A private burial will be held for family members.