Born in Augusta, Ill., Bettisworth moved West in 1950 and worked for Mobil Oil in San Francisco. He settled in Cupertino in 1959 and purchased the original hardware store at what now is the site of the U.S. Post Office branch office in Monta Vista. His sons George and Wade later joined him in the business. In 1976 the store was relocated to a larger facility several blocks away, near Blackberry Farm.

During the 46 years he lived in the area, Bettisworth participated in the transformation of the area from its agricultural roots to a world center for technology. He was heavily involved in community organizations, including the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce, serving as president in the mid-1970s.

One of his many accomplishments was spearheading the refurbishment of the Cupertino Senior Citizens Drop-In Center, formerly located at McClellan Ranch.

Bettisworth was also actively involved in the Cupertino Kiwanis club for more than 30 years and was a member of the San Jose Masonic Temple. He could always be counted on to lend a hand or donate materials to support a worthy cause.

Bettisworth traced his lineage to the Revolutionary War. He is a descendent of Charles Bettisworth, who served under Gen. George Washington at Valley Forge and witnessed the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.

Bettisworth served during World War II as a member of the 7th Air Force, 41st Bomb Group. As an aircrew member, he flew 58 combat missions over the central Pacific aboard a B-25 Mitchell. He was discharged in 1945 as a technical sergeant. For his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, among other honors. Following the war he attended the University of Illinois, graduating in 1950 with a bachelor of science degree in marketing.

Bettisworth is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan; two sons, George of San Jose and Wade of Oak Park; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held for him on Oct. 16.. Donations may be made in his memory to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of California Foundation, 1510 J Street, Suite 110, Sacramento, CA, 95814 or at www.vfw.org.