Obituary: Henry E. ‘Hank’ Betzner III, 60, Of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — (From North Haven Funeral Home): Henry E. “Hank” Betzner III, 60, of Hamden, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 9, 2022 at the Connecticut Hospice, Branford with his family by his side after a long well fought battle with colon cancer.

He was the husband to his beloved wife Lisa Viani Betzner. Hank was born in New Haven on August 21, 1962 and was the son of the late Henry E. Betzner, Jr. and Lyndell Mead Betzner.

He graduated from Hamden High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University.

Hank was a Sales Consultant for Renewal by Anderson for many years. He loved being in sales and won many awards, trips, and accolades.

A devoted fan of thoroughbred horse racing, especially at Saratoga (his home away from home), Hank owned an interest in several thoroughbred racehorses. In his younger days he was very active with Hamden Youth Hockey.

Hank loved spending time at his family’s vacation home in Wilmington, VT. He volunteered for Kid-U-Not and many other charitable organizations.

Stepfather of Michael and Matthew Pietrandrea. Brother to (as Hank would say) his two best sisters, Heidi Bauer and her husband Nick, Gretchen Ferri and her husband Marco. Son-in-law of Eugene and Betty Viani. Uncle of Kyle (Erin) Richetelle, Jodie Richetelle, Lia and Sonia Ferri, and Mark Farat. Great Uncle of Sophia RichEtelle. Also survived by his best friends of many years Tim Morrill and Dave Zirlen.

Hank wanted to emphasize to all he left behind to “Please make sure you go for a colonoscopy regularly” to prevent this dreaded disease.

Hank’s family would like to thank Dr. Michael Cecchini, Samantha Couillard, and the entire team at Smilow Cancer Hospital, North Haven, for their care and compassion throughout Hank’s illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kid-U-Not, Living Organ Donor Fund https://kidunot.org.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit North Haven Funeral Home here.