Clifford Theodore Bartz's Obituary
Clifford Theodore Bartz passed away peacefully at home on October 19, 2025. He was born on December 3, 1936 in Detroit, MI.
Cliff graduated from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio in 1960 with a degree in electrical engineering. He later earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering from Northeastern University in 1964.
He was always curious how things worked and took apart numerous electrical gadgets and put them back together. He was an engineer at Magnavox in Indiana as well as worked at the United States Patent Office for over 30 years until his retirement in 2002. Cliff was awarded a United States Patent for an invention of an early computer device.
Cliff also loved exploring the outdoors by boating and spent a great deal of time with his children enjoying the many museums and national treasures in Washington, DC. He shared stories and his knowledge of science and math with anyone who would listen.
He was the proud dad of Donna Bartz Oesterheld (Spotsylvania, VA), Kristina Bartz Rizzo (Poughkeepsie, NY), Chandler Bartz (Abingdon, VA), and Carol Bartz Kurz (Mechanicsville, VA).
Cliff is survived by his children: daughter and son-in-law, Donna and John Oesterheld, daughter and son-in-law, Kristina and Louis Rizzo, son and daughter-in-law, Chandler and Shea Bartz, and daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Brent Kurz; his grandchildren: Stephen and James Oesterheld, Louis and Matthew Rizzo, Elise and Connor Carrigan, Abby Bartz, and J. Kurz; and he was the proud great grandfather of James Carrigan and a beautiful new great-grandson to be born soon.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Connor Bartz.
The family is so very grateful to his many caregivers from Spring Arbor Senior Living and Care Advantage Home Care. The caregivers were amazing, kind and always took special care of him. Specific angels and caregivers were Godfred and Ride. Thanks also to the compassionate care of the many from Mary Washington Hospice. Cliff’s last weeks were made so much more peaceful by their compassion and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation to Mary Washington Hospice, c/o MWH Foundation, 1001 Sam Perry Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 or online at donate.mwhc.com
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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