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November 10, 1943 – October 21, 2026
William Richard Beltz, M.D., 82, of Williamsport, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2026, surrounded by family. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and a well-respected physician to many.
He was born on November 10, 1943 to Clarence and Helen Blanche (Daily) Beltz and raised in Centralia, Illinois. In recounting his memories, Bill painted a picture of a happy and carefree childhood filled with a colorful cast of characters whose stories have gone on to shape the lore and imaginations of his kids and grandkids.
After graduating from Centralia High School, Bill joined the Army Reserves and then received a Bachelor of Arts from University of Missouri, where he met the love of his life, Mary Caye Rice. He earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Illinois with honors; the following year he was granted membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He did his internship and surgical residency at Duke University, serving as a research fellow, senior assistant resident, instructor, and Chief Resident.
Moving his family to Pennsylvania, Bill practiced two years at Hershey Medical Center. In 1980, he and Mary Caye, along with their four children, settled in Williamsport, where he would go on to serve his community as a physician and health care provider for more than 40 years. He began his medical practice in vascular and general surgery and provided steadfast care to his patients, working tirelessly on their behalf. During his surgical career he served on the Board of Directors for Williamsport Hospital and as President of Lycoming County Medical Society. In 2002, he received recognition of excellence as a C.A.R.E. Physician.
After retiring as a surgeon, he became the Director of UMPC's Wound Healing Center. While he initially believed his work at the center would be short-lived, his commitment to patient care and curiosity as a lifelong learner inspired a passion that kept him serving in that capacity for more than 10 years. He was recognized for his leadership and excellence in care with a National Wound Healing Director of Year award in 2007.
Beyond his passion for practicing medicine, Bill was an avid fisherman, finding great pleasure in fishing local rivers and creeks. He spent countless hours exploring the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in his secondhand john boat. As much as he loved his local waterways, Bill also enjoyed pursuing new fishing adventures in other parts of the country and around the world, often with his sons and grandchildren. Bill was a longtime member of Dunwoody Big Bear Fish and Game Club, which was a backdrop for outdoor experiences, deep friendships, and many family celebrations and gatherings. Bill was also an active member of Lycoming Centre Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder and Sunday School teacher. He lived his faith through medical mission work in Africa and the Amazon.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 59 ¢ years; his sister Linda Gardella of Jacksonville, Florida; by his children, Michael (Dori Gilels) Beltz of Missoula, Montana, Sarah (Tom) Bodor of Annapolis, Maryland, Andrew Beltz of Columbia Falls, Montana, and Halle Beltz of Williamsport. Bill leaves behind nine grandchildren, Matilda, Clarence, Hazel, Jack, Oliver, and Isaac Beltz, and Jane, Billy, and Sam Bodor.
Visitation and memorial service will take place on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at Lycoming Centre Presbyterian Church, 656 West Creek Road, Cogan Station. Visitation is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and memorial service is at 1:30 p.m. with a reception to follow.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, Montoursville.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in memory of Bill to Lycoming Centre Presbyterian Church or The Susquehanna Health Foundation Inpatient Hospice, 1001 Grampian Boulevard, Williamsport, PA 17701.