William Barrett Barto

William B. "Bill" Barto, age 96, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026 to be reunited with his beloved wife, Barbara. A man of profound dedication, Bill’s life was defined by his service to his country, his leadership in the aviation industry, and his unwavering devotion to his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his cherished wife, Barbara, with whom he is now peacefully reunited; as well as his brother, Ralph Barto.

He is survived by sons, Jeff Barto and David Barto; daughter, Laura Dailey; grandchildren, William (Chrissy) Barto, Michelle Barto, Erin (Stuart) Mannix and Freddy Sedlak; as well as great-grandchildren, extended family members and friends.

A veteran of the United States Navy, Bill served from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean War. As a bomb loader aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42), he was part of an elite crew on one of the first aircraft carriers capable of nuclear operations. His service took him across the globe, including a historic 1951 mission to the Mediterranean and the Dardanelles to support the entry of Turkey into NATO. For this journey, he was honored with induction into the "Mystic Order of the Flying Carpet," a testament to the unique and high-stakes nature of his naval career.

Following his honorable discharge, Bill married Barbara in 1955 and began a distinguished career in Air Traffic Control. He served the skies over Cleveland, Dayton, and Savannah, Georgia, with a steady hand and expert precision.

Beyond the control tower, Bill was a respected leader and advocate. Serving as a union representative for PATCO, he became a vital voice for aviation safety. His expertise was so highly regarded that he was frequently called to Washington D.C. to testify before Congress during investigative hearings on regional aircraft accidents. He didn’t just manage the air; he helped shape the safety standards of the entire nation.

Bill lived through nearly a century of history, witnessing the world change in ways few can imagine. He was a pillar of strength for his family, a proud veteran, and a man who truly understood the weight of responsibility. He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, and all those who had the privilege of knowing a man of such character.

There will be a Celebration of Life with military honors held at a later date, please visit this page again.

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