Edward F. Betsold

Edward F. Betsold, 94, of West Hatfield, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, June 3, 2026. To some, he was the “Old Guy on his porch on Routes 5 & 10 in West Hatfield, who waved as you beeped and went by”. Born April 24, 1932, in Hatfield, Ed was the son of the late Joseph and Anne (Misch) Betsold of Hatfield. Ed grew up in Hatfield spending his summers at his paternal Grandparents’ farm in Hatfield raising tobacco and his maternal Grandparents’ farm in Easthampton where he helped load vegetables into a horse drawn wagon to sell in Holyoke. He graduated from Smith Academy in Hatfield in 1949 and served in the Army Air Corps from 1949 - 1953 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant from the US Air Force. He was also a member of the Hatfield American Legion. Ed worked for many years at Gravure Engraving in Holyoke. In addition, he owned his own business, the West Hatfield Mower Service, which he ran with his wife and father-in-law. In his retirement years he grew vegetables which he sold from “Ed’s Vegetable Stand” on Route 5 in the 80’s and 90’s. Ed’s true passion throughout his life was mechanics and fabrication. He could fix anything or make anything as long as it was metal. He didn’t like working with wood like his carpenter father. He said “It moves too much!” Some of Ed’s best memories were working as a mechanic for stock car racing crews in the 50’s and again in the 80’s. He and Elaine traveled with their friends, racing all over New England and as far away as Martinsville, VA. Ed was known for his generosity and good humor. Ed and his wife, Elaine (Tacy) Betsold were married for 57 years at the time of her passing in 2012. He was a great husband, father and grandfather. He was fortunate enough to be able to welcome his first great grandchild, Milo Matthew Betsold, in October of 2025. Ed is survived by his four children, Lydia Szych (Michael), Janice Longstreeth (Kenneth), Lloyd Betsold (Sissy) and Matt Betsold (Penney); his grandchildren, Lisa Szych, Michael Szych, Luke Longstreeth, David Longstreeth, Alex Betsold (Alley), Greg Betsold (Hunter) and his great grandson, Milo Matthew Betsold (son of Greg & Hunter); as well as several nephews. Ed was predeceased by his wife, Elaine (Tacy) Betsold and his sister, Shirley (Betsold) Zachazewski. Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 4PM to 6PM at the DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHAMPTON. Burial will be private and held at a later date. Ed did not want any fuss at the end. In lieu of flowers, please get together with a loved one, family or friends and raise a glass to Ed. For more information or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.

Edward F. Betsold

April 24, 1932 - June 3, 2026