Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Albert Betette Obituary
Novato, CA: He was of the Greatest Generation. Albert G. Betette, Lt. Col, USAF, ret., died in Novato, California, on August 28, 2008, after a short illness. He was 88 years old. George, known to his family as Albert, was born Alberto Bitetti on June 22, 1920, in Rochester, New York, and grew up there. He was the youngest of six children born to Vito and Antoinette Lisanti Bitetti, Italian immigrants.
George was attending Iowa State University when World War II broke out, prompting him to return to Rochester where he joined the Army Air Corps. George flew 56 combat missions in Europe during the war with the 15th Air Force, earning numerous citations, including the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross and a Purple Heart. He remained in the Air Force through the Korean and Viet Nam wars, and served in the Defense Intelligence Agency, Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Strategic Air Command until he retired in 1969.
George will always be remembered by his family as a strong and loving parent. The only thing that he loved more than his career was his family. After returning from Viet Nam, he committed himself entirely to raising his family as a single parent, placing his children before the career he so dearly loved. His children will always be grateful for the sacrifices George made on their behalf, and, as a result of those sacrifices, have truly learned something about family values, a concept that has almost become a cliché in today's world.
George was predeceased by his parents and step-father, Anselmo Riccioni, and siblings Michael Bitetti, Mary Joy, Phillip F. Betette, Vincent B. Betette and Robert M. Betette. He is survived by his children Georgette S. Weiss (Ronald), Philip A. Betette (Suzanne), Marianne Watkins (Thomas) and Robert V. Betette (Darlene), and by his grandchildren, Christopher Weiss, Cathryn Bigler, Jonathan Weiss, Jessica Weiss, Andrew Weiss, Sky Weiss, Michael Betette, Marianne Betette, Margaret Betette, Jennifer Watkins, Lyndsey Watkins, Meghan Watkins and Jeffrey Watkins, and great-grandchildren Dayana Weiss and Rachel Bigler.
George will be sorely missed by Mary E. Kelly, with whom he built a life after he had raised his children. Mary was his best friend and the love of his life. She was always there for George, lovingly caring for him. He was truly blessed to have had Mary in his life. George will also be missed by Mary's daughters Robin Hotaling (Art), Patty Presley (James), Debbie Kelly and Kerri Tarrant (Steve), and their children, especially Patrick and Colleen Tarrant. He was the only grandfather Patrick and Colleen ever really knew.
George will be laid to rest at National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, with full military honors, at a future date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages George's friends to make donations in his name to The Veterans of Foreign Wars.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Albert Betette
Jeanine Velez
October 7, 2008
Bob & Darlene, When Edgar told me of the passing of your father, my heart cried a few tears...I too know the feeling all to well of losing a parent, a brother, and a friend...but time does heal the soul and the laughter and love of your father will live inside you forever.
With Warmth and Friendships Always, Jeanine
William Thompson, MSgt USAFR (RET)
October 7, 2008
My salute to Albert and your family. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your family. We have lost a great war veteran and wonderful family icon. God Bless ~
Barbara Nash
September 30, 2008
Bob, Darlene and Family,
My most sincere sympathies. I know from speaking with you, Bob, how special your father was to you and your family. Having gone through the deaths of both my parents, I can honestly say that time does, in fact, heal. While it may not seem like that now, in time, you will think less about his passing and more about the fond memories and good times you had with him while he was here.
My thoughts are with you.
Barbara
Edgar Velez
September 29, 2008
I'm very sorry for your familys loss, as I to lost my father this year. I will never forget the surprised look on Albert's face, when I went to visit him in the hospital after one of his mild heart attack. I kind of got the feeling, that he thought that it was odd I would show up to see how he was. Never the less, we had a nice conversation, and talked about Bob and the rest of the family. I had brought him some SEE's Chocolates, which quickly opened and enjoyed. Later on I found out he wasn't suppose to have chocolate, but I'm sure they made his day.
Dana Sack
September 29, 2008
Losing a parent is losing your best friend who has known you longest and best of anyone. Our sincerest sympathy. Take solace in his pride in his success professionally and as a parent, Life is short and he did great things with his
Joanne Rosendin
September 29, 2008
With sincere sympathy for your profound loss. May the warm glow of the memories you all share of him give you comfort during this difficult time.
Kathleen (Kitty) Fulton
September 29, 2008
I barely remember George because I was about 5 years old when he married my aunt, but still I remember him. He loved kids and life. He was a wonderful man, judging by the children he raised as a single parent. So very sorry for your loss.
Ron Weiss
September 29, 2008
I never really knew what to call George: Al, George, sir? So I called him Dad. He was a second dad to me and was intensely interested in the lives of all his family. We looked up to him and we guided our lives by how Dad would view our choices. I sorely miss him. I wish I had told him how much I loved him. My prayers are with his children.
David and Joan Fischer
September 28, 2008
So sorry to hear of your loss of a most impressive individual on so many levels. You were all most fortunate to have such a close, inspiring bond. May fond memories and your continued closeness provide comfort in the days ahead.
Cathy Bigler
September 28, 2008
I will always be grateful that my daughter, Rachel, was able to meet such a great and powerful man. I will always be sorry that she missed getting to know and love him as I always will.
Jerry Dorrance
September 28, 2008
Our memories of George most always involved holidays, birthdays and occasional family get togethers. It was always a pleasure to visit with George and Mary. He will be missed. With love and respect, The Dorrance Family (Jerry, Anouk and Alana)
Jim Gaudino
September 27, 2008
Thank you for sharing the life of Albert Betette. I wish I had a chance to meet him, but am very glad I am in touch with the family. May his memory and love sustain those lives he touched, especially now. God bless. Love Cousin Jim Gaudino (John Lisanti's grandson), Portland
Shirley & John Hazelwood
September 27, 2008
Sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless you and all of your family at this difficult time. Sincerely,
Angie Smith
September 27, 2008
He truly was larger than life. Our condolences to you all, sincerely,
Darlene Betette
September 27, 2008
Each time Robert and I visit Mary, I look to the kitchen and the chair George called his own. I can still see him as he was in life, eating a meal with us, seated in that chair, telling Robert war stories of his past as an officer in the Air Force, and discussing the latest political candidates with me. George was at his best surrounded by his children. Even as he weakened, a visit from Robert, Phil, Georgette and Marianne always invigorated him. Now the chair is empty, but George has left an indelible mark on all our hearts and minds as each of us go on to live our lives.
Mary Mathews
September 27, 2008
My sincerest condolences. I was fortunate to meet him once recently - what a wonderful gentle person.
Robert Betette
September 26, 2008
We shall miss him.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in Albert Betette's name
Memorial Events
for Albert Betette
How to support Albert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Albert Betette's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
