Judith Ann Bartashus

Judith Ann Bartashus, 78, of New Philadelphia, passed away Wednesday, May 20th, at home with her husband by her side.

Judy was born in Pottsville on February 23, 1948, a daughter of the late Emily (Gay) Bernitsky (2/3/98) and Edward Bernitsky, Sr. (12/8/79).

She was the wife of Thomas J. “Digger” Bartashus, Sr. The couple celebrated 60 years of marriage on April 16th.

Judy was a graduate of Nativity BVM High School.

She was a member of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, New Philadelphia, and belonged to New Philadelphia’s Community Organization, and Senior Citizens.

Judy worked closely alongside her husband, dedicating herself to their funeral home business and to the families they served. She had also worked for Boscovs, and Daskus Restaurant.

In addition to her devoted husband and caretaker, Judy is also survived by her daughter, Michelle Heckman, wife of James, New Cumberland, PA, five grandchildren: Adam, & Jacob Rosenberger, and Emily, Bella, & Thomas Bartashus, two brothers: Edward Bernitsky, Jr., & David Bernitsky, husband of Jeanetta, of New Philadelphia, her sister, Loretta Apshago, Maryland, and nieces & nephews.

In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her son, Thomas “Jed” Bartashus, Jr., on July 18, 2025.

Having spent most of her life in the death care industry, Judy approached death with realism, and even humor, often reminding others that ‘everyone gets a turn.’

A viewing will be held at Haus Bartashus Funeral Home & Crematory, New Philadelphia on Tuesday, May 26th from 5-8 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Msgr. William Glosser at 11 AM on Wednesday, May 27th at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, New Philadelphia. A viewing will be held at church from 10 AM until the time of Mass.

Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Philadelphia.

At the family's request, memorial donations in Judy’s memory may be forwarded to Tamaqua Adult Daycare – 801 E. Broad St., Tamaqua PA 18252, Good Intent Fire Company, 15 Macomb St. New Philadelphia PA 17959 or Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church - 99 Valley St., New Philadelphia PA 17959.

Haus Bartashus Funeral Home & Crematory, New Philadelphia, has been entrusted with arrangements.