We are deeply saddened to share that Robert Bartley, “Buck” as he was known to everyone, the founder and heart of the Bartley Corporation, and one of the remaining founding members of the Concrete Foundations Association, passed away this past July, surrounded by his loved ones. In a paradox of timing, CFA received notification as we began the Board of Directors meeting, 50 years after the first official meeting of the Association in 1975.

“In 2001, I was introduced to one of the most genuine, passionate and effective leaders the residential concrete industry has ever known,” remembers James Baty, Executive Director of the CFA. The setting was a committee meeting for the ACI where the continued work to develop a new residential standard had been underway for half a decade. “As a contractor, this person may have seemed outgunned or out-credentialed,” says Baty. “Instead, he dug in his heels, banged on the table and called out the more conservative minds in the room who were attempting to limit the practical performance standards proven day in and day out by a century-old industry. We drove forward and forged a new era for residential concrete, finalized in 2004.”

However, this wasn’t the first time Buck Bartley had made a difference for his peers. Buck started Bartley Corporation 55 years ago as a small, humble business built on hard work, honesty and a dream. Over the years, he grew it into a thriving operation, all the while never losing the kindness, humility and generosity that made him so loved by everyone who knew him.

“He wasn’t just our leader — he was the foundation of who we are,” stated Jim Bartley, Buck’s son and President of Bartley Corporation. “Truly one of the nicest people you could ever meet, Buck touched countless lives and led with warmth and deep compassion.”

Buck was a beloved husband to the late Marcia Bartley and the late Susan Bartley, brother to Thomas Bartley (Martha) and the late Jane Bartley and a devoted father to six children: Audrey Patton (Keith), Elizabeth Taylor, Robert Bartley III, James Bartley (Margarita), Sarah Hais (Adam) and Rachel Bartley (Kemper). He was also the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Buck helped found the Concrete FoundationsAssociation in 1975 and served as its president from 1983 to 1984.

Gary Bromley (left), Buck Bartley (middle) and Ron Colvin (right) share time together at 2002 CFA Convention in Mt Hood, Oregon.

Born in Washington, D.C., in 1938, Buck was a graduate of Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in Bethesda, Md., and the University of Maryland. Beyond his family, his greatest accomplishment was founding The Bartley Corporation, through which he pioneered the use of poured concrete foundations in the local area. He became part of the founding group for the Concrete Foundations Association in 1974, leading to its formation in 1975. He served as the CFA’s seventh president from 1983 to 1984 and continued to inspire the growth of the Association and passionate resource development, instilling in his family the value of networking. His son Jim Bartley followed him into leadership, serving as president of the CFA from 2012 to 2014.

“Buck Bartley was an inspiration. He encouraged me and supported me early in my career. Really going to miss him,” stated Scott J. Klevenhagen, PE, President of Construction Inspection Services, Inc.

Larry Swearingin (right) presents Buck Bartley the 1999 Contractor of the Year Award during the World of Concrete Meeting in Orlando, Florida.

“We will certainly miss Buck,” added Robert Sculthorpe, consultant to the insulating concrete forms (ICF) industry. “I was saddened to receive the news. He was a wonderful man. I got to know him through ACI committee work. He was generous with his contributions and had a delightful sense of humor. It was always a pleasure to have him at committee meetings.”

“We all agree Buck Bartley was a great man and promoter of our Residential Concrete,” stated Raj Jalla, President of Consulting Engineers Corp.

Buck passed away peacefully at home on July 17, 2025. Visitation was held at St. Paul’s UMC in Kensington, Md., on Tuesday, July 22, and a memorial service was held on Wednesday, July 23.

“His legacy lives on through his family, who now proudly carry on the business with the same values he built it on,” offered Jim Bartley. “His spirit and achievements will always be a part of everything we do.”

The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support. Information on how they will honor Buck’s memory will be shared soon.