Eric V. Bethge, 69, of Ashland, passed away, Wednesday, Aug. 8th, at the Kathleen Daniel Nursing Home in Framingham. Born in Somerville, he was the son of the late Erich and Grace (Migauskas) Bethge and husband of Dorothy (Ghioni) Bethge. They were married 49 years. A resident of Ashland for 49 years, Mr. Bethge was a graduate of Northeastern University and was employed with Kidde-Fenwall in Ashland as a supervisor of quality control. Mr. Bethge served in the United States Army for five years, after serving in the National Guard for three years as a combat engineer. He was an avid fisherman and Ham radio operator. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one brother, Stephen Bethge of Malden, one sister, Ann Marie Vernon of Falls Church, VA; one daughter, Deborah Brown and her husband David of Ashland, four grandchildren: Christopher, Matthew and his wife Jen, Lindsay, and David; and three great grandchildren, Carrie, Haleigh, and Deremy. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, Aug. 13th at 9:00 AM in St. Cecilia's Church in Ashland with burial to follow in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland. Calling hours will be held Sunday from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Matarese Funeral Home (www.mataresefuneral.com) 325 Main St. in Ashland. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 101A First Avenue, Suite 6 Waltham, MA 02451-1115