Armando J. Betro

Armando J. Betro, age 89, passed away in the Atrium at Faxon Woods on Sunday, December 18, 2016. Born in his parent's home on Charles Street in Walpole on January 25, 1927, he was the son of the late Joseph and Sarah (Tomaine) Betro. As a lifelong resident of Walpole, he graduated from Walpole High School with the Class of 1945, lettering in Football. Shortly after graduation, Armando was inducted into the United States Army to serve his country during World War II. He was stationed aboard an Army transport ship and was responsible for preparing, typing, and mimeographing assignment orders and reports. Armando made 10 Trans Atlantics trips during his time with the Army and was honorably discharged in December of 1946, after earning the rank of Sergeant.

Upon his return home to his beloved Town of Walpole, Armando became a Special Police Officer and was officially appointed to the Walpole Police Department in 1950 as a Patrolman. On October 11, 1952, he married the love of his life, Evelyn T. Demers, in Saint Mary's Church in East Walpole. Together they made their home on Union Street in East Walpole, where they welcomed their four children. In 1961, Armando earned the rank of Sergeant and in 1962, he moved his young family to Breezewood Lane in Walpole. He was the neighbor everyone wished they had, as every winter he would graciously help in clearing the neighborhood driveways with his snow blower. As a man devoted to his Catholic Faith he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council in Walpole, as a proud war veteran, he was a member of the Walpole VFW Post, and as a proud son of Italian immigrants, he was a member of the Italian American Club in Walpole.

Armando earned a promotion in 1968, making the rank of Lieutenant and shortly after completed his course work at Northeastern University to earn his Master's Degree. In 1974, he was named interim Police Chief and was appointed as Chief in 1975. He retired in 1992 after many decades of dedicated service to the citizens of Walpole. Armando was a member of the New England Police Chiefs Association, Massachusetts Police Chiefs Association, and the International Police Chiefs Association for many years.

In his retirement, Armando enjoyed cooking, which led to his clipping of grocery store coupons and weekly trips to the store, which he used as a social hour. He and his wife enjoyed driving to Venice, Florida, where they spent the winter months. He always made sure he had his special pan and loose leaf notebook containing all of his recipes with him. During the summer months, he took great pride in his vegetable garden in Walpole. Armando and Evelyn walked six miles every day and made sure they said hello to their neighbors as they passed by. In 2010, they moved from their home on Breezewood and settled into their new residence on Sterling Lane.

Armando's family wishes to thank everyone at The Atrium for the loving and gentle care over the few years.

Beloved husband of Evelyn T. (Demers) Betro.
Loving father of Deborah J. Carlson of Foxborough, Susan Betro of Canton, David W. Betro of Franklin, and Steven M. Betro of Foxborough.
Cherished grandfather of Jennifer, Matthew, Adam, and Jonathan and great grandfather of Evelyn and Grayson.
Brother of the late Gerald Betro, the late Andrew Betro, and the late Peter Betro.
Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Armando's Life Celebration on Thursday, December 22, 2016 from 4-8 PM and Friday, December 23, 2016 from 9-9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Friday, December 23, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Walpole Police Association Fund, 972 Main Street, Walpole, MA 02081.