Richard Dimitri Beltson

Richard Dimitri Beltson, age 87, passed away on April 15, 2025. A retired Army Two-Star General, Richard dedicated his life to serving his country with honor and distinction.

Born and raised in Yonkers, NY, he graduated from Bronxville High School and then went to Lehigh University on a basketball scholarship while also joining the ROTC program. He was an exceptional basketball player in high school and college but found his calling with the US Army. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. Richard met Dory in high school, and they eventually married and were together for more than 63 years. In addition to his degree from Lehigh University, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Kansas University.

He served in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division from 1967 – 1968, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry and 2nd BDE serving as a Fire Support Coordinator. During the Yom Kippur War, in 1973, he was assigned to the United Nations Truce Supervisory Organization (Palestine) with peacekeeping responsibilities in the Golan Heights.

His military education includes the Air Defense and Field Artillery Basic Officers Courses, Infantry Officers Advanced Cours, the Command and General Staff College, and the US Army War College. He retired in August 1992, after more than 32 years of active-duty service.

At the time of his military retirement, General Beltson was assigned to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research, Development and Acquisition as the Deputy for Systems Management, Deputy for International Cooperation, and Deputy for Technology and Assessment. Prior to that assignment, he was the Commanding General of the US Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, Picatinny Arsenal. Under his leadership the Arsenal was selected as the US Army Laboratory of the Year.

His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star for Valor with Oak Leaf Cluster and two Awards of the Air Medal for Valor with 17 Oak Leaf Clusters.

After his military service, Richard worked for Raytheon from 1992 – 2003 and was responsible for International Business Development. He was responsible for developing integrated country strategies designed to optimize Raytheon business opportunities with emphasis on the Mid and Far East. He also served as President of Raytheon International Support Company (RISCO) with responsibility for operational support to 36 Raytheon overseas subsidiaries in 17 countries. He was then assigned to Saudi Aribia as Chairman of Raytheon Middle East Systems Company (RAYMES) and President of Raytheon Southeast Asia Systems Company (RAYSEAS) from 1996-1999. He was the senior in-country Raytheon Executive with primary responsibility for Saudi Arabian Air Defense Programs.

One of his most passionate hobbies throughout his life was golf, a game for which he was quite skilled. He was a lifelong NY Yankees fan and loved attending spring training games in Florida. He was passionate and deliberate in every task he undertook and was a dedicated husband and father.

He is survived by his loving family: Dory Beltson, Steven Beltson, and Stuart and LeAnne Beltson; grandchildren Kate Beltson Miller, Zane Beltson, and Morgan Beltson, as well as great-grandson Cooper Miller. Richard will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family and nation and the profound impact he had on all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Fleet Landing Johnson Hall (1 Fleet Landing Blvd, Atlantic Beach FL) on April 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM. General Beltson will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) or a veteran’s organization of your choice.