Robert T. Betchley, 78, of Mattapoisett died Saturday October 29, 2005 at Our Lady's Haven in Fairhaven after a long illness. He was the husband of Brenda C. (Creamer) Betchley.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Robert and Ethel (Bennett) Betchley, he lived in Groton, CT before retiring to Mattapoisett in 1988.
He was a graduate of the Boys High School, Brooklyn, NY class of 1945, attended Wentworth Institute and graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, class of 1956 with Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with high distinction and Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1958 with high distinction. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi.
Mr. Betchley was formerly employed by General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, CT for 30 years retiring in 1988 as a nuclear engineering specialist.
He served aboard various destroyers during World War II and Korea. Mr. Betchley was the recipient of the American Theater Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United States Service Medal and the China Service Medal.
He had a love of nature and the high seas. He possessed a kind and warm spirit.
Survivors include his wife; 2 sons, Ross Betchley of Groton, CT and Erec Betchley of Gales Ferry, CT; a daughter, Laura Kucsera, and her husband John, of New London, CT; 3 step-sons, Timothy Durr, and his wife Lisa, of Keene, NH, Jeffrey Durr and Douglas Durr, and his wife Nicki, all of Fairhaven; a step-daughter, Stacey Hodges of Mattapoisett; a sister, Janice Sisson, and her husband Pete, of Cheshire, MA; 10 grandchildren; several nieces.
He was the brother of the late John E. Betchley.
His Funeral Service will be private.