Anthony A. Bettez Obituary

Anthony Bettez passed away surrounded by his family on March 19, 2020 from the effects of a Glioblastoma. He was predeceased by his parents Roland Bettez, Sr. and Linda (Correia); and his dear brother, Roland Bettez, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou of 42 years; his son Tadd Bettez and his wife Sarah, his daughter Maylin Walsh and her husband Brian; and by one grandson Blake Bettez, fondly referred to as “Big Guy.” Tony is also survived by his brother Dennis Bettez and his wife Louise of Acton, MA and a sister-in-law Marsha Bettez of Coventry; a sister-in-law Emilietta Godfrin and her husband Peter of North Providence; a brother-in-law John Mazzuchelli and his partner Gerri of Easton, MA; as well as, many nieces and nephews.
Tony was a kind man who spent his life trying to help others. Whether someone needed a hand painting, fixing a car, or taking apart a boiler he was right there without question. Although he seemed to know “everything,” his computer skills were lacking and he would often put Mary Lou to work “googling” more information for him.
He was a man who hated attention, loved the simple things in life, and adored youth sports. So, when his children were no longer playing, he enjoyed watching his grand nieces and grand nephews and most recently his grandson play. He reserved his Coventry baseball cap just for their events.
He joined the Electric Boat work force 43 years ago. There too, he put his know-how to work. During his time, he shared his experience with other young workers that came after him. He is remembered fondly for this. After working 40 years at Electric Boat in North Kingstown, Tony decided it was time to retire. During his short retirement, he enjoyed puttering around home and flying to Florida to visit and babysit his new grandson.
He was a strong and fiercely independent man who loved helping others, but preferred to “handle” his own problems quietly and alone. So, this past 26 months was really tough on him but, his strength and determination, among his best assets, helped him to face this fight with grace. He complained twice, “This sucks,” and after that did whatever he had to do to bare up under the brain cancer and retain some quality of life. He made new friends during this time and saw many old friends and family who helped to make this past year a blessed one.
Due to the Corona virus, Tony’s funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 9 am from the Potvin-Quinn Funeral Home, 45 Curson St., West Warwick, followed by a graveside service at 10 am at St. Mary's Cemetery, Church St., West Warwick. A Celebration of Life will take place sometime in the near future. In the meantime, there are two ways you can help us to honor Tony. Whenever you went to see his mom, she would always feed you. Her boys, no matter the circumstances never went without the basics and she would always give to those in need. Consider giving what you can to the Rhode Island Food Bank, in his name, to help those Rhode Islanders in need right now. Tony was a stubborn man. But when push came to shove he always put his feelings aside to do the right thing. So,secondly, and more importantly, find one person in your life that needs your forgiveness and reach out to them today with it. Not only will that release them from the burden, but it will release you too. Kindly, omit flowers.

This was a very difficult decision to make. With more and more people getting sick, it REALLY is not a question of when anymore. We have a few family members, who are close to Tony and who have compromised immune systems and want to be present at the graveside for closure.

If you feel you need closure, you are welcome to attend, but if you were not close to Tony and are coming to support his family, we ask you at this time to support from a distance in order to maintain everyone’s health.
We are planning Tony's Celebration of Life sometime this summer and will be in touch with all. Thank you for honoring our request at this most difficult time.