Richard “Dick” Betts, 91, of Youngsville, PA., died Saturday, October 23, 2021, at his residence. He was born November 12, 1929, in Buffalo, New York. Dick was the son of Clifford R. and Rhea Northrop Betts. He was a Warren area resident most of his life and wintered at his home in The Villages, Florida. He graduated from Warren High School in June 1948. He enlisted in August of 1948 with the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Philippine Sea aircraft carrier. In June of 1953, he earned his bachelor’s of science degree, in Commerce, from Grove City College. Dick joined the family business, Betts Ind., in 1953 and was elected President in 1962, retiring with 55 years of dedicated service. Through Dick’s leadership example and heartfelt compassion for people, he set a high bar for future generations of company management.
Dick loved being a part of the Warren Community by being actively involved with the Warren YMCA Board of Directors and served as former President. He served on the Warren County Industrial Management Association. He was a major supporter of the Warren Boy Scouts of America and Warren Recreational Softball League. He loved his Betts Black Knights! Without saying, Dick also quietly touched the lives of many in the Warren community.
Dick is survived by his wife of 39 years, Susan Peterson Betts, Richards children – Clifford R. Betts and wife, Martha, Jeannene M. Betts, and Wyatt R. Betts all of Warren, PA., 3 Grandsons – Ryan, Ross, and Michael Betts, Susans children – Randal and Steven Hoskinson and Michelle Robertson and seven grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Edward L. Betts.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 P.M.
And on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, one hour prior to a funeral service at 11:00 A.M. at First United Methodist Church, 200 Market Street, Warren, PA., with Rev. Dr. Mark Hecht, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park, Warren, PA. Those wishing to place memorial contributions may do so through The Betts Foundation, 1800 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, Pa., 16365 or YMCA of Warren County, 212 Lexington Avenue, Warren, PA., 16365 or Boy Scouts of America Chief Cornplanter Council, 316 Fourth Avenue, Warren, PA. 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
To the Betts family:
I am sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He was a good man, who did great things for Warren County. I miss talking with him.
Jim Lynch
So sorry for your loss. My dad Ross Ananea coached a baseball team that Betts sponsored and your dad was very generous and a kind man. He also helped my dad start the bocce courts. My dad and him were great friends.
To Cliff & family, Shirley, Sue, Jeannene, Wyatt, Ryan & family,
My deepest Condolences to each one of you. Richard was a very dear man in many ways. He was thoughtful,kind and generous in so many ways! He did great things for many and also for our Community!! I’m so very Blessed for all of my lovely memories with him. He will be greatly missed! Many prayers and much love to all of you!!!
Thoughts and prayers to the whole Betts family. From the Stewart family. Dave Darlene and Scott
Thoughts and prayers to the Betts Family!!
Thoughts and prayers for your family.
Mr Betts and his family lived across from us on Woods Road. I remember them inviting the neighborhood kids (and their parents) to their home for Christmas parties. Each child always got a gift.
They also had an inground swimming pool and everyone was welcome to use it, as long as we brought a lifeguard was present. (This was before many of us had AC in our homes, so it was a real treat on hot summer days.)
I’ll always remember him, and his family, as an example of generosity and friendship.
Rest in peace. Prayers to all Betts family.
Thoughts and prayers to the whole Betts family
Cliff, Martha, Ryan, Ross, Michael and the whole Betts family:
We are so sorry for you loss! Dick was a good man and will be missed!!! We will be praying for your family.
Steve and Kim Wilkins
Cliff, Martha Betts and Family, Ryan and Nicky Betts and Family, we are so sorry for your Loss of a Great Man and a Pillar of the Community, he will surely be missed by a lot of People. Love and Prayers to all the family…….
I am sorry to learn of Dick’s passing. My impressions are and have always been that the Betts family helps others. I am certain you will look at the positive things he accomplished Jeannene and Cliff. Doug Allen
My condolences to the entire Betts family. I have great memories of Dick over the years. He assisted me in many ways and was always there to help me when Tony and I started our business. Dick, Tony and myself had a very special bond of friendship.
Our condolences to the Betts family, extended family, and the community of Warren that Dick Betts was always so gracious and kind to. I came to work at Betts after Dick had retired from “day to day” responsibilities, but he was still Chairman of the Board. It was always a treat when he would stop by my office to have a chat. He made my family and I feel welcome from day one.
Dick Betts was the definition of a “good man”.
Mr. Betts was one of the nicest, generous most sincere man I have ever known. I not respected him but cared for him deeply. It was a great loss to lose him. Compliments do not come freely from me. Everytime he would come back into the office he brought a smile to my face. My deepest condolences to Cliff and Susan.
This man gave so much to the Warren Dragon basketball camp that I started years ago. The Betts Foundation Free summer basketball camp produced many a fine athlete. Richard Betts gave Tee Shirts and trophies to the Free camp and with his help I produced great Girl’s basketball players . Thank you Mr Betts for believing in me sir. RIP Sir