Richard J. Betz

Richard J. Betz, 65, of McDonald Drive, Fort Johnson, passed away Wednesday evening at Ellis Hospital after a sudden illness. His family was at his side. Born in Amsterdam on June 5, 1946, he was the son of Marion B. Mead Betz and the late John G. Betz, Jr. Richard was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School and received his BA and MA degrees from SUNY Albany. For thirty three years, he taught Political Science for the GASD where he served as golf and wrestling coach. He was a member of the Amsterdam Retired Teachers Asso. and the New York State Retired Teachers Asso. An avid golfer, he was a member of the MUNI Golf Course and served on the Golf Commission. Richard was also a member of the Contract Bridge Asso. He was a certified yoga instructor and taught yoga in Amsterdam for many years. He was also certified as a Healing Touch practitioner and a parishioner of St. Mary's R.C. Church. He was predeceased by his father, John G. Betz, Jr. and an infant brother Gary. He leaves his wife, the former Marilyn Zierak whom he married on June 21, 1970; his mother, Marion B. Betz of Amsterdam; brothers David W. Betz and his wife Bonnie of Sarasota, Fla., and John M. "Jack" Betz and his wife Debra of Fultonville; brother in law Raymond Zierak and his wife Diane, sister in law Patricia McCarty and her husband Dan, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, uncles and cousins and dear friends. The con-celebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Monday at 11 am at St. Mary's Church, 156 East Main Street. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call on Sunday from 2-5pm at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue. Interment is in St. Stanislaus' Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Richard's name to the Montgomery Co. Office For Aging, to be earmarked for its elderly meals program in care of the funeral home office.