Obituary of Charles G. Betz

Gansevoort: Mary R. Betz, 87, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 13, 2011 at the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility, followed by the passing of her beloved husband of 66 years, Charles Betz, 92, three hours later on January 14, 2011, also at the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility. Mary was born July 12, 1923 in Brooklyn and was the daughter of the late Leroy and Catherine (Eberle) Runyon. Charles was born May 12, 1918, in Jamaica and was the son of the late George and Gertrude (Davies) Betz. The two were introduced by Mary’s brother, Buddy, at a party in Queens Village, their hometown, where Charles instantly knew that Mary was the one he would spend the rest of his life with. While Charles was on leave from the U.S. Army Air Corps, the couple wed on December 20, 1944. Charles served his country in the Pacific Theatre during World War II as a decorated fighter pilot in Iwo Jima. He flew the legendary P-38 Lightning, P40 Warhawk, P-47 Thunderbolt, and his favorite, the P-51 Mustang, “Shrimp,” which he named after his beloved wife, Mary. Upon the honorable discharge of Charles, with a rank of Captain in 1945, the couple started their family with the birth of their daughter, Kathryn Mary, followed by the birth of daughter, Susan. Mary was a very compassionate, loving mother who was very involved in her children’s lives. She frequently attended her daughters' class trips to lend a helping hand. They raised their family in Garden City for many years until their retirement when they relocated to Gansevoort in 1984. Besides their parents, Charles and Mary are predeceased by their daughter, Kathryn Mary; Mary’s brother, Leroy “Buddy” Runyon; and Charlie’s brother, Jack Betz. Survivors include their daughter, Susan Gagliano and her husband, Tony of Gansevoort; granddaughter, Carene Nicole Rundlett of Garden City; great nephew, Morgan Betz of the Netherlands; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. At Mary and Charlie’s request, there are no calling hours scheduled. A joint service for both Charles and Mary will be conducted 3 pm Friday, June 10, 2011 at the Gerald B.H. Solomom Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville. Military Honors will be provided for Charles. Entombment will follow in the Columbarium Wall. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Fort Hudson Health Care Facility for the care, compassion and love they gave to Mary and Charlie during their final year together. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility, 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book and condolences.