John H. Etter
John 'Jack' H. Etter, 83, husband of Nancy Etter of North Haven, CT, passed away on March 18, 2011 at the Hospital of St. Raphael's in New Haven, CT. He was born in Boston on March 16, 1928 to the late Clarence and Beatrice Boyd Etter. Besides his wife, Jack leaves his children, Kristine Etter-Foster and her husband David Foster of North Chatham, Cape Cod, Elizabeth Boudreau of Portsmouth, NH, Amy Robbins and her husband Cal of Temple, TX, and John Etter, Jr of Liberty, NY, and eight grandchildren. A Memorial Service celebrating Jack's life will be held on June 11, 2011 at 11 am in the Mt. Auburn Cemetery Chapel, 580 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge, MA 02138. A gathering of family and friends will follow at BB&N School in Cambridge, MA.
I feel honored to have had Mr. Etter as part of my professional and personal life. Jack was clearly an icon in education and his stature was earned by his demonstration of integrity, respect and humility…the old fashion way. He has left a remarkable legacy that will be passed through generations to come. Rest in peace my friend.
Dear Nancy, Kristine, Elizabeth, Amy and John: I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack. He was a wonderful man and I know how much you will miss him. He was a good friend to me and many others. He was a great coach and gave much of himself to his students and players. As well, he was a gifted musician and in his playing he showed so much of his spirit, energy and love of life. I know at this time his passing is so difficult but keep in your hearts and minds how much he meant to so many people and how much he contributed to their lives. I only wish I could express my feelings better. I can only say that in Church today, I gave Thanks to God for having had the privilege of knowing Jack and sharing those years we all had together and wished Jack to be received by Our Lord and Savior with open arms and love. May God be with you and give you comfort. Your Friend Bill Shearer
Jack and my father both B& N alums passed away on the same day this year. Jack was more than a coach to me, he was an icon. I once had a disciplinary action taken against me (well deserved I might add); and Jack handled with the stern firmness and yet kindness that yielded the correct result. He made me a better foot ball player, but more importantly, he made me a better young man. He will forever be the .John Wayne. of my young adulthood. The lesson that he taught me has stuck with me forever. Rest in peace my dear coach. Fondly, John A. Hope .Your other left Hope!!. -J.E.
Jack, Liz, Amy, I was surprised and saddened at the same time when I read the irish-sports pages this morning. So many good memories of your Dad in his office and on the field at B&N. He had a huge influence on this once-wide-eyed kid; every interaction held its own lesson. My prayers go to your whole family. Joe
Mr. Etter’s office door was always open to students, his heart was always in the right place and when he spoke in his quiet but firm voice, everyone always listened and learned. My deepest sympathies to the entire Etter family.
Nancy, Kris,Liz,Amy, and Jack. I am sorry for your loss. I was suprised today when I read the paper. Jack had a great influence on my life as a Teacher, Coach, and Friend in later years. He taught me many lessons about life and was the reason I went into education and coaching.
To all the Etter family Coach was a great man and a great influence on all whom he touched, whether on the field or elsewhere in life. Please know you have my thoughts and prayers with you. Matthew
To Nancy, Kris, Liz, Amy, and Jack: Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of a giant of a man. We consider ourselves blessed to have counted Jack as a friend for so many years. Dick and Kathy Gill
To Nancy, Liz, Kris, Amy and Jack, Jeanie and I were so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. What a great human being! Jack was my mentor at B&N, and my successes in life can so much be attributed to him. He taught me the importance of effort , focus, and dedication. In 1963, he hired Jeanie and me at the day camp and after forty- eight years, together, we remember and celebrate his life.
Coach Etter was an inspiration to me as quarterback on the B&N football team. He taught me discipline, team play and above all true love of the game. These principles have stayed with me through life. He commanded every boys respect and admiration for his dedication to us. I only wish there were more mentors like Coach Etter. Peter Slocum B&N ’59
Dear Liz, Kris, Jackie and Amy, I was so sad to hear about your dad’s death. I was just mentioning him and the summers that I spent at the day camp from the time that I was 12 to 20. Your dad gave me an opportunity to be a CIT, Jr Counselor and then Head Counselor. I am confident that the experience that he gave me was instrumental in my career. I have fond memories of your dad and all of you and I hope that all of you realize how many people out there care about your dad and all of you. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers. Maureen Hallice
I am so honored to have had Mr. Etter as a coach (football, basketball, and baseball), boss (BB&N day camp), and mentor (life). He had such a positive impact on my personal development and I will forever be grateful for the support and confidence he showed for me and so many others. I feel very fortunate to have known such a great man and he will always be remembered for being such a strong, even legendary, leader in the BB&N community and beyond.
I first knew Mr. Etter as the Director of BB&N Day Camp when I was a camper. After knowing me for years, he allowed me to be a C.I.T. a year earlier than was standard and then became my first employer. Under his direction, BB&N Camp was the highlight of my childhood and where I met my husband and father of my first child. Later I knew Mr. Etter as the Director of BB&N Athletics. He believed in my athletic skills and knowing my family couldn’t afford basketball camp, he took me on to work in his office to help with the tuition. He was not a man of many words with me, but knowing that he believed in me as a person and as a basketball and softball player was very meaningful. My sincere condolences go out to Mrs. Etter and the whole family. Laurie (Small) DeFabritiis Key
I literally grew up with the Etter’s at BB&N Summer Day Camp. My fond memories of Mr. Etter began as a camper and later Mr. Etter gave me a job as a CIT and then Jr. Counselor. Under his leadership, BB&N Day Camp was one of the finest programs in Cambridge. I remember Mr. Etter would squat down to his knees just to talk to a child who had a question. I grew up at that day camp, learned how to swim in the pool, and hopefully retained just a sliver of the elegance and grace Mr. Etter displayed every summer. My prayers & thoughts to Mrs. Etter, Amy & John and the family. He was truly one of a kind and I am very blessed to have grown up under his leadership.
I was extremely saddened to hear about the loss of Mr. Etter. He was like no other coach and mentor I ever had. He looked beyond the ability of players on the field and understood that a teams success was driven by both its talent and character. Everything he said was delivered with meaning, and the way he said it had all listening intently. Mr. Etter also always took the time to understand people. This became clear to me when my college choices were in question. It was he, more so than anyone else, who reached out and took the time to help guide my decision. I am forever appreciative for what he stood for and meant to my life. RIP. Jeff Glauber
Nancy and family, My heart broke with the news of Jack’s passing. Jack was not only the best coach any child could ever have, he was also the best coach another coach could ever have. But even more than that, he was a great friend, a great man and a great citizen. His mark on this world will always be felt. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
To the Etter family, I am extremely sad about Mr Etter’s passing. He was a great coach, mentor, and friend. He had a great influence on my life and I am grateful that I had the chance to play for him and learn from him. I love him, and you are all in my prayers. God Bless, Donny Cronin
Jack and my father have had the greatest impact on my life. I will always remember Jack and will forever continue to talk about him with friends and family. More than anything, Jack enlightened me in areas of discipline, principle, effort, courage, pride and respect…and like no other prepared me for life’s most trying challenges. Jack was my baseball and football coach, my Physiology teacher, and my boss at BB&N (Day Camp & School). Most memorable moments: trying to survive double-session, pre-season football practices under the blazing August sun (no water, one salt pill), winning the Baseball ISL Championship in 1975 by beating Nobles in the last game in the bottom of the 9th, and finally getting up the nerve to imitate Jack in Jack’s presence! There will never be another Jack Etter. My thoughts are with Nancy and the entire Etter family. ~ John Schoepfer, Ames, Iowa |Contact Me
I will always remember Jack coaching my sons . He was a great man and will always be remembered.
It was so sad to hear of jack’s passing.He was such a great man and coach.He taught me so much about the game of baseball.I always said that mr.etter forgot more about baseball than most people know.He had such an impact on the kids of bucksport and the coaches he was with.My condolences are with nancy and family.
Nancy and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Jack’s passing. Jack was great coach, educator, man, and even greater person. He was the type of person who impacted people’s lives, and who people respected. Jack helped me grow as a coach, mentor, and person, and he will never be forgotten. He always had one thing for me to think about everyday during the football season. He challenged me to become a better coach. I believe every new coach needs a Jack Etter around. I know Jack had a great impact on the Bucksport community with his generous volunteering of time. When he .retired., it was a sad day. The players and coaches there were blessed by presence and knowledge. Jack’s family extends beyond his immediately family, and this is a sad time for all. Nancy, know that you are surrounded by many that loved Jack, and you as well. Tiffany, Gaby, Maddi and I send our prayers to you in this difficult time. Thank you for sharing Jack with us. With love, Brendan Harvey
Nancy, I am so sorry to hear of Jacks passing. I recieved a message in my office of his passing and looked on my bulletin board of a picture of Jack and I on the football field before practice. As usual he had his book out, we called it the bible and he was instructing me on what we were going to do that day. He meant the world to me and taught me more about the game of football, being a good coach and more importantly how to be a good person and how to teach our kids well. I think of both of you everday when I drive by the house. I will miss him dearly. Jack: May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face,the rains fall soft upon your fields,and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. God Bless…..
The news of Coach Etter’s passing is deeply saddening. Of all the coaches I ever had in both grade school and college, he was the best. Not only for his knowledge on the field, but the way he was able to give advice for how to handle life off of it. The world lost a great coach, man, and mentor. He will be sorely missed. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
We knew Jack as a skilled musician and a good friend. He filled in for our church as organist and choir director at a time when we really needed the help. How lucky we were to have known this dear man. Our love to Nancy and his children.
Coach was one of the greatest men Ive ever met. He taught me as much about life as he did about baseball. To this day I use things he taught me in my daily life as well as practice and game tips to the kids I work with. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him!
Dear Nancy, David and I extend our condolences to you and write to recognize a life well led. We remember Jack’s kindness both to us and our children. In addition to our BB&N connection, we also fondly remember our summer visits with you and Jack in Rockport. Sincerely, Barbara and David Roberts
great teacher, great coach, wonderful man.
Jack was a tower of strength in the ISL as an A.D. and coach. He was a superb baseball coach. Having coached at R.L.S. for many years, we seldom beat Jack’s teams. When we did win, we knew we had accomplished something. Jack was a good friend, and I shall always remember him and the many games we shared on the baseball diamond. My condolences to you, Nancy, and your family. Bill
When I think of BB&N, Mr. Etter is the person that comes to mind most often. Mr. Etter made a difference in his players lives. He did it in a very subtle, yet profound way. I’ve never met anyone like Jack Etter. I am very grateful to have played for him for 7 seasons in high school at BB&N. Needless to say, he influenced my life significantly. He was a very classy man. Thanks Mr. Etter!
Dear Nancy and family, We were very saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. Caleb enjoyed his coaching and saw him as a great role model. In the time you were in Bucksport you both had a significant impact on our small community. The lives of our children and countless other children in Bucksport were positively affected by the two of you. For that we will always be grateful. Our thoughts and prayers are heading in your direction. With love, Cindy, Terry, Abe, Luke and Caleb Grindle
Please accept my condolences. Jack Etter was a big part of my high school experience and I am grateful to him for helping keep me on the straight and narrow while he coached me and my team. He touched a lot of people’s lives in a positive way and I hope the family is hearing this from as many of them as hear about his passing. PJK
Nancy, I am so sad to hear this news. He made the world a better place while he was here, and I am honored to have received some of the benefits of his spirituality and the joy of his playing the organ for St. Dunstan’s. May memories of happy times give you solace. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during what must me a very difficult time for youl Peace and love, Siggi
We are honored to have had the opportunity to know Jack. He was a pleasant and charming gentleman who will be missed by all. May your happier memories help you at this sad time and throughout the years to come.
TO MRS. ETTER AND FAMILY I WAS SADDENED TO LEARN ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR LATE HUSBAND/FATHER. HE WAS RESPECTED BY ALL THAT KNEW HIM; STUDENTS, PARENTS, COACHES, REFEREES, NEIGHBORS. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. OVER THE YEARS, I OFTEN THOUGHT ABOUT HIM. HE HAD SUCH A TREMENDOUS INFLUENCE IN HELPING MY BROTHER AND MY FAMILY AT A VERY DIFFICULT TIME IN OUR LIVES. MY BROTHER(LARRY BEDROSIAN) ENROLLED AT BB&N IN 1967,JUST A FEW MONTHS AFTER OUR FATHER DIED. JACK ETTER WAS THE CLOSEST ADULT MAN IN MY BROTHER’S FORMATIVE YEARS. MY FAMILY WILL ALWAYS HAVE SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEART FOR MR.ETTER FOR ALL THE UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT THAT HE GAVE US.
My Dear Nancy, so sorry to hear about Jack you and him were such fun to work for, we had alot of laughts together. I will miss him.If you get a chance,e-mail me at gsgrant@wildblue.net. I would to hear from you. I will always love and miss you both. love and take care. love Gloria ashey verona me.
Nancy , Liz ,and Kris, I was saddened to hear of Jack’ passing.I was a camper and counselor for many years. The friendship of your family I will always remember.Jack’s steady direction,as a camper I needed it,influenced me in my life. I went on to Boston College and became an .eye doc.. Jack and the family are in my thoughts,may he RIP .with great respect,Dr. Alan Titelbaum.
Nancy, Needless to say, Jack and I spent many hours together as coaches, but more importantly, as friends. Jack was such a generous man who shared his knowledge of athletics as well as life’s lessons to students and fellow coaches alike. His positive influence on our programs at BMS will be remembered by many. I share in your loss and hold deeply many fond memories of the time we spent together. His presence made all of us better people. Deb and I send our thoughts and best wishes to you and your family. Bob
As a classmate and fellow student of Jack at Springfield College I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Jack and I entered Springfield with the class of 1953 in 1949, became immediate friends, and roomed together for the last three years of our college days. We kept in touch following graduation through contacts at B&N, letters from Bucksport, attendance at Springfield Reunions to include the 50th in 2003, and his willingness to serve as an Usher at my wedding in 1954. Jack left an impact on every institution and individual he encountered in his life.
Jack was a great classmate and all around athlete at Boston English High School. Sheldon Cohen
Nancy, I am so sorry to hear of Jacks passing. I recieved a message in my office of his passing and looked on my bulletin board of a picture of Jack and I on the football field before practice. As usual he had his book out, we called it the bible and he was instructing me on what we were going to do that day. He meant the world to me and taught me more about the game of football, being a good coach and more importantly how to be a good person and how to teach our kids well. I think of both of you everday when I drive by the house. I will miss him dearly. Jack: May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face,the rains fall soft upon your fields,and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. God Bless…..
Nancy, Needless to say, Jack and I spent many hours together as coaches, but more importantly, as friends. Jack was such a generous man who shared his knowledge of athletics as well as life’s lessons to students and fellow coaches alike. His positive influence on our programs at BMS will be remembered by many. I share in your loss and hold deeply many fond memories of the time we spent together. His presence made all of us better people. Deb and I send our thoughts and best wishes to you and your family. Bob