1893 – 1962 (September 7)

Joseph C. Bartley, son of James Bartley and Helen Golden, was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on May 23, 1893. He entered Saint Rita's Hall, the House of Postulants, at Villanova, Pennsylvania in 1909, after spending one year at Lawrence High School. He was received into the novitiate on June 20, 1912, and professed simple vows on June 20, 1913. He made his solemn professeion on June 23, 1916, and received his A.B, degree that same month. After completing theological studies at Villanova, he was ordained to the priesthood in Saint Charles' Seminary in Overbrook, Pa. by Archbishop Denis Dougherty on June 18, 1919. He received his M.A. from Villanova that same year.

Following ordination, Father Bartley and two other friars were sent to the first house of the Augustinians at Catholic University in Washington, DC, for graduate studies. He received his Ph.D. in economics in 1922, and for the next 40 years was associated with Villanova College. In 1928, when the School of Commerce and Finance was established, he became its first Dean. He held this post until his death. In addition, he was for many years Dean of the summer school and the extension and evening schools. He also served as Secretary of the Board of Trustees. In 1951 he became a member of the Provincial Council and was confirmed in every Chapter including that of 1962. In 1954 he was awarded a honorary doctoral degree by Villanova. In 1960, he became a member of the Board of Governors Commerce and Industry Council of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia. 

Father Bartley died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 69 on September 7, 1962. His Funeral Mass was offered by Prior Provincial, James Donnellon, on September 11th. Father John Burns, O.S.A., of Los Angeles, preached the homily. Father Bartley is buried at Villanova in the Community Cemetery.

Bartley Hall, the Commerce and Finance building on the Villanova University campus, is named in his honor.