A Zelienople man died Friday, April 18, after falling about 20 feet while cutting tree branches on his property, according to an official.

James “Jim” Bartos, 69, died from blunt force trauma to the head and neck after falling about 20 feet, according to chief deputy coroner John C. Hanovick. He fell when a portion of the tree split and toppled his ladder. He died in the emergency room of UPMC Passavant-Cranberry.

His death was ruled an accident. Jackson Township police and Harmony Emergency Medical Services responded.

Bartos, known as “Mr. Responsible,” died doing what he loved and enjoyed tackling a variety of projects, according to his obituary. He was a self-employed cement contractor before he retired and loved working with animals and tools around the homestead.

Attempts to reach Bartos’ family were unsuccessful.

Bartos is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kim Sharp; four brothers, Richard, Tom, Joe and Bob Bartos; three sisters, Patricia Bartos, Barbara Davidson and Mary Crisci; and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Michael and his father-in-law Merle Sharp.

Friends and family will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at Boylan Funeral Home, Inc., 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople. The family suggests memorial donations be made to Animal Friends in Pittsburgh.