Joseph H. Betz

COLONIE - Joseph Henry Betz, 63, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness on Thursday, September 20, 2012. Joseph was born and raised in North Albany.

Sergeant Joseph H. Betz served in the US Army as an MP in the 11th Military Police Group, Company C, 503D Military Police Battalion, and was also especially proud of his service with the NMCC Military Security Force as a guard for the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon.

Joe was a past Commander of the American Legion Post #1610, North Albany. He worked for many years as a salesman at Orange Motors in Albany and The Yankee Dugout Store in Crossgates Mall.

Joe will be remembered as an avid NY Yankees fan, enthusiastic golfer and a dedicated volunteer for the American Cancer Society. He enjoyed weekly card games with his poker buddies.

"Papa Joe" especially enjoyed watching Michael and Alex's ball games, listening to Michelle sing and hearing Rowan learn to say "Papa Joe".

He is survived by his loving mother, Agnes Baranowski Betz; adoring wife, best friend and favorite cruising partner, Bonnie Betz; brother, Charles (Jane) Betz; stepchildren Chrystie (Larry) Stafford and Aaron (Shannon) McCormick; beloved grandchildren, Alex, Michael and Michelle Stafford; Rowan McCormick, Malakai, Devi and Mandara Arnold. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Joe loved his many lifelong friends from North Albany: Robot, Sal, Dennis and Kenny, to name a few. Joe will also be missed by his many friends at Lakeside Village, Hobe Sound, Florida.

During his illness, Joe was very thankful for some special time with niece, Jennifer Betz Kussler and her children, Jackie, Sydney and Ewan. The family would like to thank some people for the care they gave Joe: Christine Scavone, Bernie Murphy, the staff on 6 Pavilion, St. Peter's Cancer Care Center, Radiology and Medical Oncology and the staff of the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's.

Memorial calling hours will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 am at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12210.