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John Betts Obituary
John C. Betts, 77, of Ithaca, and formerly of Maryland, passed away suddenly on March 27, 2017. He was surrounded by his loving family. John was a wonderful man, who spent 37 years with the Ithaca Police Department, where he retired as Captain. Prior to that John served as military police for two years in the armed forces.
John is survived by: his wife, Rita Major Betts, who loves him dearly; children: John Betts, Kelly (Fred) Ortega, and Kimberly Betts; stepchildren: Julia (Jeffery) Hulbert, Gail (Stephen) Eddy, and Karen (Eddie) Berggren; grandchildren: Hilary, Lindsey, Adam, Elyse, Alana, Alec, Amanda, Ashley, and Abigail; and great grandchildren: Sophia, and Jaxon.
John is predeceased by both of his parents, and a son, Shawn.
Per John's wishes there will be no services. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the SPCA. Online condolences may be left at hersonwagnerfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Betts
Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.
Brandee Berggren
April 6, 2017
Rita and family, my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Don Preston
April 4, 2017
To Johns Family so sorry to hear of his passing. I have nothing but kind thoughts of him. We have another Angel to keep a Eye on us. R.I.P Sir.
Chuck Hinman
April 4, 2017
I still remember Jack coming into Valley View pretty much once a week, he always had a smile on his face and don't get him started on any political issue lol, my thoughts and prayer with Rita and his family, he surely will be missedChuck and Megan Hinman
Paul Pagliaro
April 3, 2017
Rita and family, so sorry for your loss. Jack was a good cop that worked his way up through the ranks helping to keep Ithaca safe. He is at peace now with family and brother officers that went before him. Paul Pagliaro Dep. Sheriff Rtd
April 3, 2017
MR.Betts as I called him always ,I always thought of as someone to look up to, as a young man I learned many life lessons from him. He helped me in a couple of rough times have always had him in my thoughts and prayers.my condolences to J.C KIM. KELLY
Linda Rohrer, Barnhart, Donahue, Emery
April 1, 2017
Betts was a good cop my Dad Richard Rohrer enjoyed working with him very much and I as a kid remember the good times and bad. R. I. P. old friend with the other officers on duty 24/7.
March 31, 2017
Loved Capt. Betts, worked with him for 4 years until I went to fire. He always tried to be a tough guy until he talked to "bubby monster " (his grandson), then he was a big teddy bear!! RIP JC
Bernie Cook
March 31, 2017
Sorry Karen and Julia and Rita for your loss of Jack .remember him well as a neighbor back when on Taggart Road . He will be surely missed .
March 31, 2017
Rita and family, our deepest condolences. Rest in peace Jack.
Tony and Amy Schultz
Marian Beardslee
March 30, 2017
Rita; So sorry to hear of your loss.
Joanne Parsons
March 30, 2017
Betts Family, So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Many fond memories and love that picture, just how I will always remember him. Peace be with you.
Peggy Huntington
March 30, 2017
Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. I know what your going through my Dad died from the same disease. With Deepest Sympathy. Peggy Huntington
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