Rudolph "Rudy" Charles Beitzel Sr., 89, died at Genesis Healthcare, Salisbury, Md., on Friday.
Born in San Francisco, he spent most of his life in Titusville, where he worked in the Niederer family business, Egomatic. He spent much of his free time working on this farm and in his workshop.
In 1940, he met inventor Igor Sikorsky and under Mr. Sikorsky’s leadership, became a team member in the assembling the first helicopter. He filmed the flight of the first helicopter with Mr. Sikorsky at the controls. This film and other photographs he took can be found in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
After his stint with Sikorsky Enterprises, he served with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and then went to work at another airplane manufacturer, Luscom, in Trenton.
Mr. Beitzel was active in youth activities. He coached midget football and for several years was the president of the Hopewell Township Little League.
In 1985, the Beitzels moved to Princess Anne, Md., where they participated in clubs such as AARP, Elks, and Ruritan. After his wife’s death, he moved to Salisbury’s Pine Bluff Village. He became involved in the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation in honor of his grandson, Brian.
Preceded in death by his parents Peter Beitzel and Maria Eish Beitzel, immigrants from Germany and Hungary; his wife of 50 years, Norma Niederer Beitzel, who died in 1993; and his brother, Peter, who died in 2006, he is survived by a daughter, Carolyn Beitzel Stegman of Salisbury, Md.; a son, Rudy Beitzel Jr. of Georgetown, Del.; a son-in-law, Charles Stegman; a daughter-in-law, Beth Beitzel; and grandchildren, Neil Beitzel Stegman, Brian Beitzel and Katie Beitzel.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation, 33815 Clay Road, Lewes, Del., 19958; or to MAC, Inc. c/o Peggy Bradford, 1504 Riverside Drive, Salisbury, Md., 21801-6740.
A celebration of his life will be held at Holloway Funeral Home, 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, Md., on Thursday (Jan. 25) at 5 p.m. Friends may call one hour prior to the service.
Private interment will be held in Titusville at a later date.
Visit www.hollowayfh.com to send condolences.
