James V. Betti, 86
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - James Vincent Betti, 86, of 16 Dorothy's Way died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, at Williamstown Commons.Born in North Adams on Oct. 31, 1928, a son of Benjamin F. and Mary Louise Bolger Betti, he graduated from Drury High School with the class of 1947.
An Army veteran, he served two years during the Korean War.
Mr. Betti joined the family business founded by his father and eventually became co-owner of Climax Candy and Paper Co. with his brother, David, until retiring in 1992.
He was a former deacon of First Congregational Church, a life member of the North Adams Lodge of Elks and a member of Frank R. Stiles American Legion Post 125. He was a member and past president of the Williamstown Lions Club.
After retirement, he volunteered at the former North Adams Regional Hospital and Elder Services of Berkshire County, for which he and his wife were the recipients of the 2001 Tom Kelly Excellence in Volunteering Award. He also liked to play bridge. Family and friends were very important to him.
He and his wife, the former Jane Ladd, were married in the former St. Anthony's Church on April 6, 1953.
Besides his wife, he leaves two sons, Stephen J. Betti of Pittsfield and Robert Betti and his wife, Emily, of Lanesborough; a daughter, Mary Jane Betti of North Adams; seven grandchildren, Stephen T. Maselli and his fiancee, Rachel, Dr. Nicholas Maselli and his wife, Rachel, Dr. Timothy Maselli and his wife, Amy, Mark Maselli and his wife, Jeannine, and Cara E., Samantha L. and Jason M. Betti; a great-grandson, Theodore James Maselli, and four nieces and four nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers Benjamin J. Betti and David P. Betti.
FUNERAL NOTICE - The funeral for Mr. Betti will be Saturday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m. from First Congregational Church of North Adams. Burial will be at a later date.
Calling hours will be Friday, Feb. 27, from 4 to 7 at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Memorial contributions may be made to any veterans organization of the donor's choice.