Youngstown - A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman, for Peter J. Bettura, 62, of Youngstown, who passed away Wednesday morning, April 1, 2015 after a lengthy illness. Pete will be remembered and loved by his family and friends for his smile and spitfire personality. He was fiercely loyal; any friend of "Big Pete" was a friend for life. He was born October 9, 1952 in Youngstown, the son of Lawrence and Angeline (Cervello) Bettura and was a lifelong area resident. Pete attended Chaney High School and was of the Catholic faith. He was employed by The General Fireproofing Co. for over 10 years as a Materials Handler and then was employed by The Ohio Turnpike Commission as a road and maintenance worker. Pete was a member of the Brier Hill ITAM Post #12 and the St. George Croatian Lodge #66. He had also been a participant in the Youngstown Morra League. Pete took great joy in many things throughout his life. He was an avid NASCAR fan; always rooting for the "Rainbow Warrior" #24, Jeff Gordon. He enjoyed playing morra and cheering for his favorite teams, The Ohio State Buckeyes, the San Francisco 49ers and the LA Lakers. Pete's greatest enjoyment came from watching his son Joe play baseball. He was a fanatic about his homemade spaghetti sauce and meatballs which will be sorely missed by many. Pete adored his grandchildren and loved being "Papa Pete". Left behind to treasure his precious memories are his beloved wife of over 36 years, the former Sandra L. Watt, whom he married on April 29, 1978, two children, Joseph W. (Ricci) Bettura of Mineral Ridge and Danielle R. Bettura of Youngstown; two grandchildren Angela Elizabeth and Joseph Warren Jr., two brothers Larry Bettura of Hubbard and Joe (Edie) Bettura of Canfield, a sister Mariann Ray of Struthers, many nieces and nephews, his best friend of over 43 years Ric Mosco and his beloved golden retriever Buddy. Pete was preceded in death by his parents. Friends may call on Monday, April 6, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. all at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. In lieu of flowers, Pete's family requests that material contributions be made to the Hospice of the Valley's Hospice House, 9803 Sharrot Road, Poland, Ohio 44514. Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Bettura family. Pete's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Cheryl, Lori, Diane and Rita, as well as the entire staff at the Hospice House for their compassionate care of both Pete and them during this difficult journey.