Raymond Joseph Betz, born in Stamford, a graduate of Stamford High School and a resident for 77 years, passed away peacefully on Friday Oct. 3. He was 85.
Raymond Betz, 85, passed away Oct. 3. There no calling hours, and the service and burial was limited to immediate family.
Born on Dec. 25, 1939, he was the son of the late John Raymond Betz and Vera (Mishley) Betz.
Ray was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1960. He returned home where he began work for Pitney Bowes in Stamford as a machinist retiring after 33 years. Ray also very much enjoyed his part time work delivering flowers for Springdale Florist in Darien for well over 40 years, and where he introduced his three children to their first jobs.
He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, lover of road trips, especially to the Catskill Mountains and Vermont, NASCAR races and bad jokes.
Ray was very proud of having his birthday on Christmas Day finding out early it brought him extra attention and double the gifts! In 2016, Ray moved to Texas, where he lived in Tomball to be close to his daughter and warmer winters.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving sister Beverly Ann.
He is survived by his wife, Claire (Sobieski) Betz; son, Mark (Regina) Betz; daughter, Karen (David) Woods; son, Jeffrey Betz; his grandchildren: Jacqueline (Astrit) Sadiki, Ryan Woods, Natalie Betz, John Betz; and great-granddaughter, Dua Sadiki. They lovingly called him Poppy!
Ray will be laid to rest with his parents and sister in a peaceful ceremony at St. John Cemetery in Darien (coincidentally across the street from Springdale Florist). In honoring their loved one’s wishes, there will be no calling hours, and the service and burial will be immediate family only.
The family kindly requests privacy during this time of mourning. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or National Wildlife Federation.
— an obituary from Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, where onlline condolences may be left