Frank Robert Bettale, Jr.

After a brave and valiant battle with cancer, Frank Robert Bettale Jr., 76, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 25, 2025, surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home — just the way he wanted this transition from life to be.

Affectionately known by many as JR, Frank was born on February 10, 1949, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to Frank Sr.and Polly Bettale. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Broomfield, Colorado, where he spent his formative years.

Frank attended Broomfield High School, and after some time in college, joined his father and brother, Tim, to open a grocery store in 1975: Bettale & Sons Super Foods. The family business grew to include three stores, in Castle Rock, Wheat Ridge and Evergreen — one of which became a regular stop for several Denver Broncos players, a point of pride for Frank. When larger chain stores entered the Colorado market, the Bettales closed their stores, and Frank pivoted to launch a home cleaning business, which he built from the ground up and ran successfully for nearly 25 years, retiring in 2015.

In the midst of his grocery store chapter, Frank met the love of his life, Dru, in 1975 — in fact, she worked at the store! After nearly a couple of years together, they were married on May 2, 1976. They welcomed their son, Brad, in October 1979, followed by their daughter, Audra, in September 1983. Frank and Dru raised their family in Arvada, where they’ve lived in the same home for the past 49 years. Frank loved his family deeply and considered them his greatest joy.

If you knew Frank, you knew he had gasoline running through his veins. A lifelong gearhead, Frank loved cars and racing. Bandimere Speedway became a second home, and he was proud to support several racing teams — especially alcohol dragsters. Some of his favorite memories were made at the track with his son, listening to engines roar and bonding over horsepower. As Brad often joked, “Dad could rebuild an engine, but he sure couldn’t swing a hammer!” — a line that always made Frank laugh and he nodded his head in agreement. When his daughter married a professional race car driver and a Pikes Peak race winner, Frank couldn’t have been prouder — it was the perfect match for a racing family.

When not knee-deep in an engine or soaking in the rumble of a dragster, Frank loved to be by the water. The beach was his happy place — anywhere with soft sand, hot sun, and a cold drink brought him peace. Though Florida and Belize were favorite destinations, Frank’s go-to getaway was Lake McConaughy. With many friends and family owning property there, he made countless memories at “the lake,” which will live on in the stories shared by those who knew and loved him.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sr. and Polly, and by several aunts, uncles and close friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dru; son Brad (Tara) and grandson Cole; daughter Audra (Robb); brother Tim (Sue); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Frank’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: http://events.stjude.org/FrankBettale.

Frank never cared for formalities and didn’t want a traditional funeral. Instead, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. If you'd like to be notified when details are finalized, please email [email protected] with your name and email address and the family will send invitations when details are arranged.