Richard Stephen John Betze

Richard Stephen John Betze, 67, passed away on January 3rd, 2025 after experiencing a decline in health over the holidays. Richard was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia two summers prior and had been living with the disease for some time before. He was born in Sussex County, Delaware. Mr. Betze is predeceased by his parents, Nance Davis Betze and Stephen J. Betze, as well as cousin, Jenny Davis.

Richard was born on November 29, 1957 and grew up in Bridgeville, DE. He attended University of Delaware for a short time and graduated from Delaware Technical Community College. He studied Computer Programming and had a very wonderful career as a Programmer and eventually IT Sr Project Manager that he excelled in for 30+ years with HanesBrands, Intimate Apparel. He retired at the age of 59 and enjoyed his dream retirement with his wife, Susan L. Betze on Oak Island, NC before his diagnosis. He then moved to Apex, NC to be close to family members and spend time with his grandson, Bauer Machikas.

Mr. Betze had a deep love and appreciation for all music, but especially smooth Jazz. He collected stereo equipment and could be described as an audiophile. He attended countless concerts and enjoyed sharing his love of music with all who would listen with him in his listening rooms. His lifelong best friend, James Woodland, shares the same love of all things audio and the two maintained a friendship lasting 50 years and an accumulation of quite the collections of stereo equipment. Richard played music by ear and could pick up any instrument and play a melody within a few moments. His instrument of choice was usually a keyboard. In addition to his love of music, he also loved spending time with his family, especially on the water. He enjoyed the beach, the mountains, boating, and fishing. Any opportunity for him to be by the water and he’d find a way. He leaves a legacy of a love of boating and the water in both of his children.

Richard is survived by his wife, Susan L. Betze, daughter, Alexa L. Machikas (Alexander Machikas), son, Jonathon R. Betze (Sara Betze), sisters; Stephanie Williams (Allen “Jerry” Williams), and Claire Betze (Lindy Allen), and his dog, Belle. In addition, he is survived by his first grandson, Bauer Machikas (2), another Machikas grandbaby on the way (due March 2025), as well as niece, Erin Williams, nephew (Garrett Williams), and cousins: Beth Passwaters, Molly McIntosh, Kelly Davis, Matt Davis, and Elizabeth Burnett.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or the Dementia Society of America.

A Celebration of Life for Richard will be held in Bridgeville, Delaware at a later time. Details to be announced by the family once arranged. He will be cremated and interred in his family plot in Bridgeville Cemetery.

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