Robert “Bob” Betler was born to Fred and Esther (Collins) Betler in 1934. Bob grew up in Mayfield, NY, with a love for family, the outdoors, and learning especially science, also geography and traveling. He imparted these same loves to his own children and grandchildren, as well as his many students.
After graduating from Mayfield Central School, he attended Utica College in Utica, NY, where he pursued a degree in teaching and also met Margaret “Peg” Wittman. They married in 1957 and settled in Sauquoit, NY raising three children, Ann, David, and Amy. Bob was an only child and really took to Peg’s large family, enjoying annual Wittman family reunions which usually included more than 200 family members.
Bob enjoyed hiking and exploring the Adirondacks with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed driving the family to Disney World and to visit many relatives along the East Coast and Mid-West. During his retirement, he and Peg traveled to England and Hawaii. He incorporated his love of travel into a couple mission trips to Honduras and after Peg’s passing, he made a trip to Puerto Rico.
He was dedicated to his faith and grew up attending Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church. Upon moving to Sauquoit, Bob and Peg were longtime active members of Sauquoit Union Presbyterian Church. Sauquoit Union Presbyterian Church later merged into Three Steeples United Church in Paris, NY, where they remained active members. Peg passed away in 2008 and Bob remained a faithful and active member of the church.
In 2014, Bob married Judy (Christman) Betler, a fellow faithful and active member of Three Steeples United Church. Bob and Judy moved to Gloversville, NY, returning to the Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church living out their faith.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Esther Betler; his first wife, Margaret ‘Peg’ (Wittman) Betler; aunts and uncles; several cousins, and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Bob is survived by wife, Judy (Christman) Betler; children, Ann Betler, David and (Yamayra) Betler, Amy Mather and (Joe LaPointe); seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Susan Christman, Amy Christman, John and (Christina) Christman, eight step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church at 22 N. Main St., Mayfield, NY, 12117 on Sunday, November 4, 2018, at 1 p.m. Memories, sympathies, and regrets can be shared on the funeral home website: www.ehleandbarnett.com.
All arrangements are under the care and direction of Brian Mark Barnett, licensed NYS funeral director-owner at Ehle and Barnett Family Funeral Home Llc, 15 N. William St., Johnstown, NY 12095. Any questions can be directed to the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or Habitat for Humanity International
