Charles Raymond Betz

Charles was born on March 31, 1939 in South Gate, CA and graduated from South Gate High School. He completed his BA in Economics at Cal State University of Long Beach and his Masters in Economics at UCLA. He also completed his Community College Teaching Credential. Charles was a Professor at Cerritos College for 36 years mostly teaching Economics, but early on he also taught History and Political Science.

After Charles retired from teaching, he focused on his vintage car restoration and sales business. Charles started restoring, selling parts, buying/selling vintage cars, primarily Ferrari’s in the 1960’s along with his partner Fred Peters and later his son Brooke Betz. Charles’s favorite was the 1961 Ferrari 250 SWB Berlinetta, this car gave him the most joy. They had numerous restored cars participate in car shows and auctions including Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Cavallino Classic Palm Beach and many others. Later, he was a judge for some of these shows and was a member of the International Advisory Council for The Preservation of the Ferrari Automobile. He was presented a certificate of Honor in Gratitude and Dedication to the Council.

Charles was an avid car enthusiast, but also he loved his church, theater, reading, pets, family celebrations, traveling, networking, taking pictures and storytelling. He was active in his church as a group leader and on the Financial Committee for 6 years. He was a South Coast Repertory subscriber for 38 years, enjoying plays, musicals and opera. He loved reading the LA Times and the Wall Street Journal daily as well as many car magazines and books. Charles traveled to many places/countries on cruises, road trips, tours, etc. He came back from all of them with many pictures and stories that were shared at family celebrations.

Charles was most grateful for his blended family and is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, (Margaret) Carol Betz; his children Holly Nan (Charles), Brooke Betz (Antonette Dichirico) and his daughter Bria Betz (Sam); his daughter Katie Drake (Kirk Dyer); his daughter Stephanie Bruton (Colt) and their children Jax Bruton and Skye Bruton.

He is preceded in death by his father, George Fredrick Betz and his mother Bessie Marie Guarnera.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 10:30am at The First Church of Long Beach the Nazarene.