With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our loving husband, father and grandfather, Russell F. Bettis, 77, of Niagara Falls, NY on Thursday May 17, 2012 at Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Russell F. Sr. and Ann (Hipple) Bettis.

Russ was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY. He attended local schools and graduated as a millwright from the former Trott Vocational High School. During the Korean War he served in the U.S. Army from 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1956. On October 26, 1962 he married Patricia E. (Pelsone) Bettis. Russ co-owned the former Gallery Night Club on Pine Avenue and was also employed by the N.F. Board of Education until retiring in 1995 as Most Senior General Repairman after thirty four years of service. Russ was a member and served as past president of the Civil Service Employees Association Union and a member of Dante's Italian Social Club. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills and loved golfing and doing woodworking projects. Russ especially enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida with his wife where he loved to fish with his children.

In addition to his wife of forty nine years, Russ is survived by three children Deidra A. Bettis, Russell P. Bettis both of Niagara Falls, NY and Richard (Debbie) Bettis of Merritt Island, FL; four grandchildren Jessica Lynne Meredith, Tyler Meredith both of Niagara Falls, NY; Ricky Bettis and Jeremy Bettis both of Florida and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by one brother Robert and one sister Jean.

Visitation will be on Sunday from 4 – 8 p.m. at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY followed by a funeral service at 8 p.m. with Rev. Robert Hughson officiating. Family and friends are invited to a prayer service with Military Honors on Monday May 21st at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral chapel followed by a committal service at St. Joseph Cemetery, 3806 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Robert Hughson officiating. Russ was given a kidney donated by his daughter and in lieu of flowers memorials in his honor may be made to UNYTS (Upstate New York Transplant Services), 110 Broadway, Buffalo NY 14203. Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online guest register.