Richard E. Baetzel, age 80, of Lynn, died suddenly at Salem Hospital Aug. 29.
Born in Phoenixville, Pa., he was the son of the late Harold and Mary (Czukiewski) Baetzel and beloved husband of Mary (McCarthy) Baetzel, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. Mr. Baetzel was an honorably discharged veteran having served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was employed as a foreman gas contractor for the R.J. Devereaux Company Inc. for 40 years, retiring 10 years ago. Dick was a member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 56, was past state and post commander, was awarded Veteran of the Year in 1990 and held the office of treasurer in the State Department for many years. A member of Polish American Veterans Post 13, of Chelsea, and in 1995 he was awarded the Haller Swords Metal by the Polish Army Veterans Post 37 of South Boston. He was also a member of St. Michael’s Polish National Lodge 630 and their bowling league.
In addition to his wife, Dick is survived by his sons Richard J. and his wife Rosetta, Daniel E. and his wife Diane, all of Lynn, Ronald E. and his wife Teeann of Peabody, his daughters Nadine M. Heaphy and her husband James, Valerie A. Slepoy and her husband Mark, all of Lynn, and Loralyn Larffarello and her husband Frank of Wilmington. Beloved grandfather of 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, also survived by his brother Robert Baetzel of Douglasville, Pa., and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Raymond and Ronald Baetzel.
Service information: Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the NADWORNY FUNERAL HOME, 798 Western Ave., Lynn, on Thursday at 9:30 a.m., followed by his Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Heart Church at 10:30 a.m. Interment in the Korean Lot at Pine Grove Cemetery, Boston Street, Lynn. Visiting hours on Wednesday from 4- 8 p.m. P.L.A.V. Post 56 will meet at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701-4688. For guest book and directions, please visit www.nadwornyfuneralhome.com.