Michael Stanley Bettasso
March 28, 1948 ~ October 16, 2023
Michael Stanley Bettasso, 75, of Princeton, IL passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.
Michael was born March 28, 1948 in Waukegan, IL the son of Frank and Rita (Pakula) Bettasso, Sr. Michael graduated from Princeton High School in 1966 and went on to continue his education at Illinois Wesleyan University receiving his Bachelor Degree. He then pursued law school until joining his father at Bettasso Insurance Service for many years. While attending IWU, Michael lettered in football and track and field; he also joined the TKE Alpha Chapter Fraternity and stayed very active until his passing. Michael was an active member on the Princeton Public Library Board retiring from the board this year. He enjoyed reading, traveling to Diamond Lake and playing euchre with his Princeton Euchre Family. Most of all Michael cherished spending time with his friends and family.
Michael is survived by his two daughters, Michaelyn (Frank) Bettasso Vandy, Kailey Bettasso; six grandchildren, Francesca, Tessina and Siena Vandy, Kinley, Julian and Kingston Romejio; two brothers, Frank and George (Renee Comfort) Bettasso; one sister, Janelle Bettasso.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Cole Bettasso and great-grandchild, Henry Vandy.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the Cliff Event Center, 1105 East Peru Street Princeton, IL 61356. Cremation Rites have been accorded. Michael’s organs and tissue were able to be donated through Gift of Hope, which provided a life altering gift to many recipients.
In Michael’s memory a memorial has been established.
Online condolences may be left at www.grant-johnsonfh.com.
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Great guy and Frater!! Frank and George, you have my sincere condolences.
Frater Durland
My first memory of Mike was when he would tear through the kitchen while Rita & my Mom were den mothers for Miles’s & my brother’s Cub Scout troop at the Bettasso home n Peru Street. He had no problem harassing the Cub Scouts, but always made sure he said hi or winked at me as I sat in the corner trying to stay quiet & out of the way of the older boys, as directed by my Mom. That wink or saying hi when he then would see at games or just out remained constant as I grew up. Pretty impressive & habit forming when an older kid treats a younger one that way!
I’m sorry to hear of your loss.
My sincere condolences to both Frank and George and Michael’s family!
I met Mike at Lincoln School starting in kindergarten right PHS class of 1966. Knew his family! We each went our way but thru years connected when I would arrive in Princeton!Not much changed thru the years! ! Mike with smiling eyes and me always addressing him as “The Gentle Giant”!!! He always held my hand and would say, “ Nice to see ya, Joanie”!
I know for sure! He has entered the gates of heaven and is already planning to teach and play lots of Euchre!
What a sweet guy ! ALWAYS had a smile on and you feel the warmth of human kindness !
It hurt me to learn of Mike’s passing..But..i am sure he is carrying on that Bettasso smile
He made liking him as easy as Breathing !
There is a olde Italian saying from deep Southern Illinois..
Tears are the Rent we pay for loving him !
Mike was a great guy. As a new director of the library, he was always upbeat and encouraging. With over 35 years serving on the board, he was a part of the library and instrumental in its evolution over the years. He will be missed by current and former staff and board members.
I will always appreciate his kindness and sense of humor.
i am so sorry to hear this. Mike was always smiling and was a great man. i was so glad to have known him
Mike was a great friend to have in your life. He will be missed.
I always appreciated who you were as a human mike. You been through a lot and I’m sorry I just found out. May you rest in peace I still remember coming down to bs with you with your daughter was working. Amen