The world became a little less bright on February 18, 2026 with a peaceful passing of Harry Betsa, age 91, of Dixonville, PA. He was well known as “haluski Harry” and the polka king of Dixonville, his infections laughter and loud voice was heard well before you ever saw him.
Harry was the son of Michael and Kathryn (Lazeration) Betsa, Born February 5, 1935, Harry celebrated his 91 birthday with his family.
He was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He was devoted to church, family, simple joys and traditions that brought people together.
He grew up with 13 brothers and sisters and was the last survivor. He was a hardworking man, working construction then running shuttle car for Helen Mining Co., the job he loved. He loved gardening and planting flowers. He planted enough garlic and tomatoes to feed a small village. He loved canning, picking mushrooms and processing deer. In the kitchen he was most famous for his haluski, sauerkraut, sauce and chicken soup. No one could quite replicate the way he made them. He would say “that’s my recipe”. And of course we knew one of the secret ingredients was his love.
His lifelong love of polka music and following the Monarchs, the “family polka band” was more than just a sound; it was a memory and a celebration. You always knew he was nearby because you could hear the polkas blaring from his truck.
Harry was a member of the Dixonville Moose, Clymer Slovak Club, Punxy, Eagles, and Glen Campbell American Legion.
Harry is preceded in death by his parents, wife Rose Betsa and his second love, Alice Cessna, and 13 siblings.
He leaves behind his beloved dog Mickey and two daughters, Dawn C Balogh, husband Denny, Donna D Betsa, fiancé Alan Figard. Grand children, Kristopher Balogh, wife Kara, Allix Melott, husband Kevin, Shana Jarvie, husband Josh and Mason Maschak and fiancé Holly Prato. Great grandchildren, Carson, Annabelle, Jackson Balogh and baby Sophia Melott.
Thank you to the staff of St. Andrews Village for making his stay enjoyable.
Friends will be received on Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm with a Parastas at 4:30 pm at the McCabe~Roof Funeral Home, 565 Franklin St. Clymer, PA. Harry’s funeral service will be celebrate on Monday at 10:00 am at the St. John’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Dixonville, PA., with Fr. James Cairns, celebrant. Interment will follow in Edgewood Cemetery, Saltsburg, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Orthodox Church, St. John’s Way, Box 41, Dixonville, Pennsylvania, PA 15734.
Online condolences may be made at www.mccaberooffh.com.
