Plymouth, Massachusetts, US
United States Navy
PO, Recruiting Command – Naval Station Plymouth
Plymouth, US, 08/27/2008
Petty Officer Joseph E. Bethune, age 25, of Plymouth, MA, died Wednesday, August 27, 2008, in a motorcycle accident.
Mr. Bethune was born in Manchester, NH, on April 7, 1983, the son of Brian and Lisa (Nerl) Bethune. He was raised and educated in Manchester and attended St. Catherine’s Grammar School and Memorial High School, class of 2001. He earned the rank of Life Scout and was in Boy Scout Troops 106 and 290. He was a talented musician that could play many instruments, but specialized in the guitar. While in high school he was in select choir, orchestra, and band.
He enlisted in the Navy after graduation and served three tours of duty in the Persian Gulf. He was an aviation mechanic 2nd Class Petty Officer on the USS Abraham Lincoln CVN72, USS John C. Stennis CNV74, and the USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN71.
Upon his return to New England he was a successful recruiter at the Naval Station Plymouth, MA. Petty Officer Bethune’s military awards include the Navy Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. In his spare time he enjoyed riding his Harley, fishing, and music.
His family includes: His parents Brian and Lisa Bethune, of Manchester; a brother, Jacob Bethune, of Manchester; his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Kathe Nerl, of Derry; paternal grandparents, Jacob and Jean Bethune, of Isleboro, ME.