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John Bete Obituary
He was born in Stoughton, on Aug. 28, 1938, and eventually moved to Greenfield with his family where he began to develop his love of nature, all creatures large and small. Summers were spent in the family cottages on Onset Island. It was there that Jack developed his love for the ocean and learned his skill at rowing.
He attended Mount Herman School for his high school years, Tufts for pre-med and B.U. School of Medicine.
After attending medical school, Dr. Bete served in the Navy as a ship's doctor. He was discharged with the rank of lieutenant commander. After the Navy, Dr. Bete came to Hyannis in 1970 as the first cardiologist on the Cape. His office on Park Street featured a concert piano where he would play classical music between appointments. He also kept a huge fish tank in the office which created a "peaceful sanctuary for his heart patients".
Jack's life in Eastham revolved around his year-round rowing and landscaping.
Jack is survived by his wife, Virginia; his brother and best friend, David, and his wife, Teri; his first cousin Joe; five children, John, Laura, Kim, Heather and Stephanie; four grandchildren, two nephews, a sister in-law, Nancy Fritz; and his dog Starbuck.
Memorial visiting hours will be held on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008, from 5 to 8 p.m., in The Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Audubon Society of Massachusetts Sanctuary, 291 State Highway Wellfleet, MA 02667 or Wild Care, 10 Smith Lane, Eastham, MA 02642.
Nickerson Funeral Home
508-255-0259
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Myrna Evans
October 3, 2023
My first memory of John was meeting him through his nurse Elaine, and then working for him part time. Wonderful person with lots of good memories. I do think of him often, he took such good care of my mom when she was sick. Myrna
Myrna Evans
October 8, 2020
I can only repeat that he was a wonderful person. I live close to the Cape Cod Hospital and I think of him as I pass his office and the hospital. Such good memories and hello to Ginny.
October 3, 2019
Hi Ginny, Got an email yesterday so thought I would let you know I still think of John from time to time, especially when I see a sail boat go by at the end of the street. I posted on 10-10-08 and what more can I say, he was a wonderful person and I know you must still miss him. Myrna Evans
Ruth Finkelstein
October 16, 2008
Ginny, I enjoyed our chats when I visited the office. I will always remember how kind and caring Dr. Bete was to my husbband Jim Finkelstein and myself. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ruth
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debbie mcfarlane (finkelstein)
October 16, 2008
i was saddened to hear of your loss. although i did not know your husband personally, both of my parents spoke very highly of him and loved him very much. my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Christine Parker
October 13, 2008
Dear Virginia,
I do hope this message reaches you. This is the fourth one I've written and when I check the guest book, it's not there! I don't know what the problem is, as I also assisted my mother and hers was printed with no problem at all.
We only met briefly, I am Kimberly's mother-in-law. I am fortunate that the time I spent with you and Jack will always be filled with happy memories of a wonderful time in all our lives. I was so moved when Jack danced his first dance with Kimberly. What a wonder choice of music!! You could see the love they shared for each other.
I hope that as time passes, you will find comfort and solace in all of the time and happiness you and Jack enjoyed together.
I wish you peace and joy not only for the time you and Jack shared, but also from the comfort of those who love and care for you both.
I was extremely saddened by your tragic loss. You have my deepest and heart felt sympathy. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers
Sincerely,
Christine Parker
Charlotte M. Danielewski
October 11, 2008
Dear Mrs. Bete,
We only met briefly for Kimberly's and Edward's engagement and wedding. I am Edward's Grandmother.
I am saddend by your sudden and tragic loss. You have my deepest and most profound sympathy. I hope that some day you will find solace in the times and memories that you and Dr. Bete shared. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that you will find peace and comfort from all those who love and care for you both.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Danielewski
Madelynanne Magill
October 10, 2008
Dear Ginny,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy at this time. I just heard of Doc's passing today or I would have been at the service.
I've worked for Dr. Bete for the past few years typing his correspondence and case notes and thoroughly enjoyed it. He would drop off his latest project and he'd always take the time to inquire about my Mom and my children. He told us how he was married to his sweetheart and told us about his beautiful daughters and how proud he was of his son the doctor. We all loved chatting with him.
Doc was a truly special man and will be missed by all of us.
Myrna Evans
October 10, 2008
Ginny,
I had the pleasure to work for Jack in his office and then get to know you. He was such a kind person and you couldn't help but love him. He also took care of my mom in 1980 and he was wonderful to her and my family.
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Richard R. Bushnell
October 9, 2008
We wish to extend our symmpathies
to the family.
Bushnell family,
Onset Island
Jen Rogers
October 9, 2008
Laura,
I'm so sorry about your Dad. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Anita and John Gonsalves
October 8, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
rosanne schoffel
October 8, 2008
I have fond memories of Jack and his children. I was a caregiver for them in thier early years. My deepest sympathies go out to them.
J S
October 8, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you.""
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain.""
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Jean Stevens
October 8, 2008
I had the privilege of working with Dr. Bete when I was a Unit Clerk at Cape Cod Hospital a long time ago. He was pleasant to work with and displayed a true concern for his patients. He also provided excellent care for my mother-in-law during her hospitalization for a heart attack. My condolences to his family.
The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home
October 8, 2008
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
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