Ronald Gerald Bettini Sr.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ronald G. Bettini Sr. of Cordova, MD, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025. Ron was born on November 21, 1946, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to the late Fermo G. and Jacqueline (Wolf) Bettini. He was the eldest of four siblings—JoAnne, Michael, and the late Stephen—and shared a lifelong bond with his family. A graduate of Cathedral High School, Ron pursued his passion for engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Western New England College in 1968. He later went on to earn his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1972. Throughout his distinguished career, Ron became a highly respected aerospace engineer specializing in Thermal Engineering. He contributed to groundbreaking projects, including the Hubble Space Telescope, held a patent, authored numerous scientific articles, and developed an experiment that was launched into space aboard the Space Shuttle. His work had a profound and lasting impact on the aerospace field, and he was immensely proud of his contributions to advancing technology. Beyond his professional achievements, Ron was a private pilot and loved spending time with family and friends. He shared a passion for travel with his wife, Nancy, and was an avid technology enthusiast and lifelong learner, often reading two or three books at a time on a wide range of subjects. Ron is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Nancy; his stepdaughter, Kathleen K. Barry, and her husband Jack Barry; his stepson, Frank X. O'Connor Jr., and his wife Kate O'Connor; and his son, Ron Bettini Jr., and his wife Maria Bettini. He was deeply proud of his four grandchildren—John Barry and his wife Morgane Barry, Julie Barry McHugh and her husband Pete McHugh, Frank O'Connor III, and Amalia Bettini. Ron is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews: Robert, Andy, Jimmy, Christie, Jessica, Paul, Antonio, Melani, Emily, Elizabeth, Nicola, Sophia, and Mya. Ron was a devoted family man, with his family always at the center of his heart. A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newman Funeral Home, 200 S. Harrison St., Easton, MD, on Sunday, February 23, 2025, with a visitation from 1:00- 2:00 pm and a service following beginning at 2:00pm. Burial will follow for family members only. Ron Bettini Sr. will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for the love, kindness, and warmth he shared with everyone around him. His legacy of compassion and strength will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Talbot Hospice, 586 Cynwood Dr., Easton, MD 21601, or Arcadia of Easton, 400 Dutchman’s Lane, Easton, MD 21601.

Ronald Gerald Bettini Sr.

November 21, 1946 - February 8, 2025