

Ronald David Betti
July 5, 1942 - February 4, 2024
On February 4, 2024, Ronald D. Betti of Sun Lakes, Arizona passed away peacefully with his partner in everything and loving wife of 56 years, Mary Ann (Palumbo), by his side. Ron fought a 16-month battle with lung cancer with the same grit, acceptance, and quiet determination that he tackled all things to make it look easy. He was 81 years young.
Ron had an infectious love of life and embraced it with always a smile on his face and a twinkle in his baby blue eyes. Answering to countless nicknames including Papa, Grandpa, Ronnie, Ragu, Butch, Ricky, Franna, Lobo, R2, and Pops, Ron’s happy whistling and ability to make anything into a song will be deeply missed by Mary Ann and his loving family including his children Jennifer (Peter), Nicole (Robert), and Michael, and his grandchildren Roman, Gina, Stella, and Gemma.
Ron was born in Buffalo, New York on July 5, 1942, to now-deceased parents Pauline (Ricci) and Gino Betti and was raised there along with his older twin brothers Gene and Paul Betti who preceded him in death. Ron grew up with a large extended family of uncles, aunts, and cousins who gathered often to celebrate everything and nothing with laughter and always an abundance of food.
Ron attended Saint Martin’s grade school, Hutchinson Central Technical High School, and graduated from Erie County Technical Institute where he was treasurer and member of the Kappa Tau Fraternity and majored in electrical technology. After graduating in 1963, he began his career working for Westinghouse, and in 1964 enlisted in the Army National Guard and served six years as a Military Policeman.
Akin to his affection for numbers, Ron proposed to Mary Ann on the 11th day of the 11th month in the 11th hour and they were married in 1968. Eventually, the burgundy, white-top, 1965 Pontiac GTO “four on the floor” was passed down to his brothers-in-law, but the legend and his love of classic cars remained. In addition to being an avid bowler, he played hockey and even helped coach a youth traveling team.
Despite being an ever-loyal Buffalo Bills fan, and surviving the blizzard of ‘77, Ron, Mary Ann, and the children relocated to Mesa, Arizona in 1977 where he took a position with Westinghouse/ABB in the sales division. Ron and family embraced a new life in the desert, and felt more complete when his sister-in-law and mother-in-law moved to Arizona as well. Making many new lifelong friends, he kept close to his roots, always in touch with family and dear friends from New York to Ohio, Nebraska and beyond. Coaching softball for Jennifer and tee-ball for Nicole, a parent scout for Michael, board member for their parent-teacher organization, Ron was also a perfect study partner in supporting Mary Ann with her education to become an RN. In 2006, Ron and Mary Ann moved to Sun Lakes where he retired from a 45-year career with ABB/Westinghouse in 2008.
Ron was an avid golfer, enjoyed woodworking, gardening, poker nights, jazz concerts, wine tasting trips, and traveling to Italy to connect with family, and taking various cruises with friends. He served his faith and community and was a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus at St. Bridget in Mesa, from 2006-08, volunteered for six years with the Sun Lakes Fire Department’s ride-along program (CAP) and served as president and various other board positions for their homeowner’s association. Prioritizing regular travel to the San Francisco Bay Area where all three of their children settled, Ron enjoyed watching his four grandchildren grow into their teenage years. With many interests and hobbies, spending time with his family brought him the most joy.
Ron was loved by many. He had a quiet caring way about him, with a great laugh and sense of humor, and would sing and rhyme his way through many occasions and moments to the end. Ron was a love like no other to his family and will be so dearly missed.
A Catholic mass will be held at St. Steven’s in Sun Lakes on March 8, with a private celebration of life to follow. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Ron’s honor to:
Cloud Covered Streets - supporting those who are experiencing homelessness, Organization for Autism Research, or Hospice of the Valley.
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