David Joseph Betti of Ventura, passed away unexpectedly on April 30th, while walking with his faithful service dog and companion, Sarge. David was born in Bakersfield, and lived in Williams, Ca. and Woodland, Ca. before settling in Ventura.
At age 20, David followed in his father's footsteps, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country from 1969-1971, in the Vietnam War. By the time David had been honorably discharged from active duty, he had earned the rank of Corporal E-1, was awarded National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Combat Action Badge and Rifle Badge.
His military service brought him together with the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County, where he served as President, Vice-President, Secretary, POW/MIA Chairman, Board Member and was a Life Member. David worked tirelessly as an advocate to assist other service members’ families to receive their Veterans benefits and to support many other military causes that were so important to him.
David continued to give of his talents in recent years, speaking to school groups along with other Veterans, sharing their combat military experiences. He was an active member of organizations including the American Legion, served on the Personnel Commission for the Ventura Unified School District, and volunteered at Ojai Humane Society. Several years ago, he was honored to accompany Ms. Jennifer Vasquez to Washington, DC as a special invited guest for a Wounded Veterans tribute program.
David was a passionate musician, loved his drums and played with groups Brand X, Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute and Resurrection . David was a true steward and caretaker of all things. He never considered himself too big for any task or challenge. His life was defined by his caregiving and caretaking as a husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend and his generosity and love for his family, friends and fellow Marines will live on and cherish his memory. David’s huge personality was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him.
His immediate family includes his loving wife Carrie Pulido-Betti, his children Sutton Betti and fiancé Jessica, Nicole Mata-Quant, Casie Betti and Sierra Yates, four grandchildren: Chastity, Chynna, Jessie, Corinna and his sisters Faith Betti and James Cover and Lynn Hopkins and husband Frank.
David is preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Alfredo Betti of Woodland, Ca. and sisters Linda Sue and Ruth Ann Betti.Services will be held Friday, May 8th at the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME, with visitation from 2-7pm and a Vigil at 7pm. Military burial service will be held at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park on Saturday May 9th at 10am.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to honor David’s legacy, to award a scholarship to a deserving student entering the military services.