We regret to inform you of the recent passing of Retired Corporal Donald “Bunky” Bartgis, age 85 on April 28, 2026. Cpl. Bartgis served the Maryland State Police for more than 25 years as a sworn member of the department then returned and served as a Truck Inspector for the Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division.
September 28, 1941 – April 28, 2026
OBITUARY
Donald Roger “Bunky” Bartgis, 85, of Frederick, passed from this life on Tuesday April 28, 2026, at Frederick Health Hospital surrounded by family. Born in Frederick on September 28, 1941, he was the only son of Harry W. Bartgis and Charlotte F. Burkholder.
Don graduated from Frederick High School in 1959. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the Army National Guard, 29th Infantry Division, Frederick.
For 25 years (1964-1989), Don was employed as a sworn member of the Maryland State Police, and spent approximately 15 of those years assigned to the Special Traffic Enforcement Unit. This Unit concentrated on speed detection, DWI/DUI enforcement, and related traffic accident initiatives, and was quickly nicknamed “The Bumble Bees” because of the distinctive logo of a bumble bee resting on its stinger wearing a MSP Stetson and aiming a radar gun. He retired in 1989 at the rank of Corporal. In 1990, Don returned to the Maryland State Police as a Civilian in the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit as a Truck Inspector, assigned first to West Friendship Scale House, and later, New Market Scale House. Throughout his lifetime, he was proud of his association with the MSP, and enjoyed time spent with his MSP brothers and sisters.
During his lifetime, he was a member of FOP Lodge 69; Maryland Troopers Association Lodge 51; Maryland National Guard 29th Association; American Legion FSK Post 11; and a long-standing member of the New Windsor Lions Club where he earned the Melvin Jones Award.
In his spare time, Don loved trout and bass fishing, deer hunting, traveling (especially on cruises), and being with his family and friends. Don will be remembered for his humor, kindness, and service to the community. He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Don is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughter, Melanie Johnston; his son, Gregory Bartgis (Shiloh); his grandchildren, Nicholas Johnston, Elizabeth Johnston, Benjamin Johnston, and Ethan Bartgis; and his great grandchildren, Riley Michael Johnston, Asher Randall Johnston, and Charlotte Rose Maktos.
The family wishes to thank the administrators, nurses, med techs, and caregivers at Edenton Retirement Community for the special care, compassion, and kindness Don always received through the years.
Family will receive friends from 11am-1pm on Friday, May 8, 2026, with a funeral service to immediately follow at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, in Frederick, MD. Interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, 737 South Main Street, Mt. Airy, MD.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Maryland Troopers Association Lodge 51 (c/o MSP Frederick Barracks, 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick, MD 21701) or FOP Lodge 69 (2832 Nine Mile Circle, Catonsville, MD, 21228).
You may share memories & condolences on the online Guest Book here.
SERVICES
Visitation
May 8, 2026 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Stauffer Funeral Home-Frederick
1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702
Funeral Service
May 8, 2026 @ 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Stauffer Funeral Home-Frederick
1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702
