Obituary of Robert L. Bethel

Robert L. Bethel, 85, of Schenectady, went home to be with The Lord on Sunday, May 7, 2023. 

Born in Cohoes, he was the son of the late Walter D. and Natalie Domini Bethel.  He was raised and educated in N. Troy, graduating from Lansingburgh High School, following which he attended Russell Sage College, Albany Division, for two years.

Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve, for 1 year, and then served for 4 years of active duty in the Submarine Corp, from which he received his Honorable Discharge in 1961.

He met, who would become his wife, Betty Kay Hinman in 1955, and they were married in 1965.

Bob began his business career in accounting and was the Vice-President of Mohawk Finishing Products of Amsterdam.  Eventually, he and his wife opened 3 health clubs, and ran 5 motels.  In his latter years, Bob was involved with outside sales, until his retirement in 1997.

Bob and Betty Kay are members of the Pleasantdale Community Church, where he has served as treasurer and a trustee; and they are members of The Gideons International (Rensselaer Camp), since 1987.

In addition to his wife, Betty Kay, Bob is survived by a daughter, Cheryl (Joe) Cotrofeld of Ballston Spa; a son, Mark Bethel of Troy; and grand-daughter, Valerie Cotrofeld of Myrtle Beach, SC; a sister, Olive Moore of Schaghticoke and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by a brother, Walter Bethel, and a sister, Doris Ronesi.

A funeral service will be held at Pleasantdale Community Church, 155 New Turnpike Road, Troy, NY 12182 on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM, with the Rev. Tyrone Lynch, pastor, officiating.

Friends are invited, and may call at the church for one hour prior to the service, beginning at 6:00 PM.  A time of sharing and fellowship will follow.

The interment will be in Memory’s Garden Cemetery, Colonie, on Friday morning at 11:00 AM, leaving from inside the gates of the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Bob has requested that any memorial contributions be made to Pleasantdale Community Church, at the above address.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Morris-Stebbins-Miner & Sanvidge Funeral Home, 312 Hoosick St., Troy, New York 12180.

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