Obituary of Betty Kelapire

Betty Kelapire, long time resident of East Williston, passed peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025, surrounded by family. 

Betty was the beloved wife of her husband of 57 years, George Kelapire, until his passing in 2013. 

Betty was the loving mother of Barbara (Nick), Michael (Ronnie), Lisa (Bill) and John (Debbie). Betty was also the proud grandmother of Justin (Ashley), Natalie (Mark), William (Alexa), Nicholas (Leslie), Ryan, Andrew, James, Cleo (JP), Matthew and Joseph, and the great grandmother of Penelope and Bennett. Her family was truly the greatest joy of her life. 

Those who knew Betty knew that she lived life to the fullest, accomplishing more in one lifetime than others could hope to accomplish in 4.

Betty was a pioneer in the music industry, founding her company, Betty of Troy Entertainment, and becoming the manager of The Trammps during the height of the disco era. She booked national and international tours, working with some of the biggest names in music which allowed her to travel the world until her retirement a few years ago. 

Betty was also an avid boater for decades, owning several boats over the years. The crown jewel of her collection was the Road Runner, a 48 foot Californian Yacht. Betty and her beloved dog, Jake, spent countless days captaining the Road Runner, bringing friends and family all around Long Island and Fire Island. 

Betty loved being active and took up golf in order to spend more time with George and their friends. She learned to snow ski around  age 55 and enjoyed it so much that she and George built a house in the Pocono mountains as their golf and ski retreat. While Betty never became the greatest skier, she quickly became the hit of the ski lodge. 

Betty loved family, dogs, sweets, cigarettes, sequins and was never afraid to speak her mind. Betty had a special zest for life, the likes of which we will never see again. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The East Williston Public Library in her honor.

Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital      www.stjude.org

or

East Williston Public Library

Attn: Jamie Cutinella

2 Prospect Street

East Williston, NY 11596