Bart Barletta of Arlington Automotive Machine

Hi, my name is Jeaneen Barletta and I am the daughter of Richard "Bart" Barletta of Arlington Automotive Machine in Arlington, Massachusetts. On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at approximately 11:08 PM, my father and I rushed to his business of over 44 years to find the roof of the multi-unit commercial building where he rents his shop, engulfed in flames. As we watched the fire tear through the roof and black smoke billowing out of his garage, we stood helpless and hopeful that the 3 alarm blaze would soon be under control. We watched straight through until 4 AM as the fire departments did their best to get the fire under control while dumping thousands of gallons of water to put it out. This fire just kept raging and spreading through the entire roof and second floor of the building with no end in sight. My father's business of over 44 years is now destroyed as the ceiling let go in his shop and water flowed out of it like river rapids. It has been hard to hold back the tears.

My dad, Bart has been building engines since he was a kid in the mid-1960s. His knowledge and expertise as a machinist and complete engine rebuilder span over 56 years. My dad grew up here in Arlington, went to school here, built his business and raised his family here. Our ties to the community run deep. Up until May 10, 2023, he had the same routine of going to work every day by 8 AM and working late into the evening doing what he has always loved, being a machinist. For his entire career at Arlington Automotive Machine, he has worked for himself and by himself with no other employees. He wanted to ensure that he had quality control of every job that left his shop. Bart is a problem solver, diagnosing engine problems and rebuilding with a level of quality that is second to none. My dad is a kind hearted, humble, loving and caring person and it shows with every customer and friend that he has worked with for over 50 years. Bart is one of the very few people in his field and his work is highly specialized. There are very few machinists, if any, with his level of expertise and understanding of his industry. Bart has rebuilt engines in antique boats, speedway dragsters, and NASCAR. Unbeknownst to you, he may have had a hand in helping you with your engine problem because when a mechanic or dealership needs a machinist to help work on your engine, my dad is the man they call upon! Bart may have helped without you ever knowing it! Imagine a tiny little garage tucked away in an industrial street in Arlington, Massachusetts would have so much experience and history. My dad is not even close to being ready for retirement and that is why I am here asking for your help.

The funds raised here will help my father get his business back on its feet. He wants and needs to go back to work. Bart needs a shop to go to. The building has been in will be a complete loss and although it will be rebuilt we need to find a place now. Funds will be used to fix the machines that he has used to do his job. They have been acquired throughout his lifetime. These machines have been impeccably maintained by him and have never failed him. The equipment is not meant to take on thousands of gallons of water, extreme heat, ceiling collapse etc. The depreciation of these machines throughout the years will mean that insurance companies will pay out barely anything, regardless of what the machine's capable output of work was before the fire. We want to repair these machines if we can and replace them if needed. The engines and their parts contain iron and/or steel and when it comes in contact with water it starts to rust quickly and that has already happened, destroying them. All my dad can think about is the jobs he was working on a completing before the fire and he wants to complete those jobs for his customers because he cares so much. He still is providing for his family and donation large or small will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

Sincerely,

Jeaneen Barletta