Edward Richard “Dick” Betz
Passed away on August 20th, 2024.
Dick was the devoted husband of Carole (nee Van Cooley) for 64 years. Their life together took them many places and they were able to call more than a few of them home. From Michigan, where both Dick and Carole grew up, to various locations in the mid-west and Northeast, they ultimately settled back in Northern Indiana. Along the way, Dick became an adoring father to Mark (Michele) Betz, Rick (Cathy) Betz, Cathy (John) Kearney, Patti Betz and Jim (Kristin) Betz; cherished grandfather of 11; great grandfather of 3; dear brother of Jeff Betz and Dave Betz, who preceded him in death on September 5, 2023.
Dick graduated General Motors Institute in 1960, and soon after began a career as an automotive engineer with the Cadillac division of General Motors in Detroit, MI. He moved on from the automotive industry and through various senior management positions in manufacturing businesses. From there Dick began a long, fruitful career in the electronics industry, first as founder and owner of Logan Circuits, a manufacturer of printed circuit boards, and then CEO of Betz and Company, a firm which represented manufacturers of equipment for the electronics industry. Dick loved the work he chose and worked well into his late seventies before finally retiring.
Outside of work, Dick enjoyed being involved in the community and his church. He was a longtime member of Rotary International, and served as President of the Hamden, Connecticut chapter in 1996. Additionally, Dick served as a eucharistic minister and usher in the Catholic churches where they lived.
Dick was the type of man who could never sit still. –He was always pursuing his hobbies whether it was flying his plane, sailing his boat, camping, skiing, photography, or building something in his woodworking shop. His family is forever thankful for his prowess with a camera as it has served to preserve so many great memories… even if they grumbled when having to pose for his “candid” shots.
Dick taught his children to dream big and said if you received half of what you dreamed of, you were a lucky person. We know that he considered his family his biggest achievement. He loved his family and seemed happiest when he and Carole were hosting family get togethers. Whether it be Christmas, Thanksgiving, or at their favorite spot… the family cottage at Lac Beuclair in Masham, Quebec, Canada.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet Dick’s family on Friday, August 23rd, 10-10:45 AM at St. Rose of Lima RC Church, 300 E Kings Hwy, Haddon Hts., NJ; where his funeral mass will immediately follow at 11 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Dick’s name may be made to The Rotary Foundation (https://my.rotary.org/en/donate)