Ramon E. Bettinelli

Ramon Edward Bettinelli of Bay Shore, NY passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 26, 2020 at the age of 89.

The only son of Louis and Mae Bettinelli, Ray was born on June 23, 1930 and raised in Brooklyn, NY.  He graduated Brooklyn Poly Prep and went on to attend Pace University to study business prior to working in his father’s restaurant. It was during this time that he met his beloved wife of 66 years, Antoinette Michels of Huntington, NY and they married on April 25, 1954. They moved to Bay Shore where they raised their four children. Antoinette introduced Ray to the outdoors of Long Island, which was mostly open farmland. Ray pursued his passion for the outdoors through his love of camping, boating, fishing, hunting, and golf. He was an active member of the Peconic River Sportsman Club, and served as president, vice-president and secretary during his more than 40-year membership. Ray was an avid Bocce player, proficient at neutralizing his opponent’s closest point, and someone you would always want on your side!

A successful, hard working, self-made businessman, Ray was also an active leader in the community.  As President of the local Civic Association he was an integral part of the effort to save the Gardiner Estate from development.  His efforts, and the efforts of many others, resulted in Suffolk County proclaiming the lands to be “forever wild” and establishing Gardiner County Park in Bay Shore, a nature preserve that will be enjoyed for many generations to come.  This was truly part of his legacy.

Ray was a dedicated husband and father whose love of family spanned across five generations.  He is survived by his loving wife, Antoinette; son Louis and wife, Donna; son Edward and wife, Prudence; daughter Barbara and husband, Luis; and son Raymond and partner, Liz. He leaves behind his adoring eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren, along with a very close extended family and many close friends.

No wake or funeral service is planned at this time.  A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.