Burton E. Etheridge

A life well lived.  Burt Etheridge embodies the adage "Do what you love, love what you do".  He was fortunate to have enjoyed two fulfilling careers.  First as a decorated Master Aviator for the U.S. Army retiring after 24 years as a Chief Warrant Officer-4 (CW-4) helicopter pilot and instructor who served our country in Korea and Somalia.  He received the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious service medal, the Army Achievement medal, the Army Commendation medal, and the Air medal. His second career was as a middle school teacher for the Indian River School district where he retired after 23 years in October 2017 and was honored with the establishment of the Burton Etheridge memorial veteran’s day essay competition. 

Born to Madonna Louise and Burton E. Etheridge Jr., on 10/4/1952 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.  He was active in scouting and achieved his Eagle Scout award with distinction at the age of 17.  He graduated from Quantico Virginia High school where he was active in Cross Country and Track and Field.

A lifelong learner, he was well taught and well read.  He acquired three degrees A Bachelor of Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, A Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and a Master of Science in Teaching from SUNY Potsdam. As an avid reader he has amassed an impressive collection of novels over the years.

He is a disciplined and goal driven individual who enjoyed travelling the world, sports, particularly golf, running and football.  He has played golf courses around the world and shot a "hole in one", twice.  At Ives Hill Country Club in Watertown, New York and at the Falcon Dunes Country Club in Phoenix, Arizona.  He has run several Marathons including the Honolulu marathon, twice.  He has been an avid New England Patriots fan for decades.  Go Pats!

He loved his country. Loved his students and loved his family.  To know him was to respect him, admire him and be inspired by him to do and be your best.

He is a long time member of the St. Michaels Catholic community of faith at the Fort Drum main post chapel.

He has two children, Joanna Boyette of Honolulu, HI, Caleab Etheridge of Los Angeles, CA.; Three brothers, Archie Etheridge , his wife Janet and son Avery of Dayton, ME, Daniel Etheridge and his wife Mary and their two children John Etheridge and Cecelia Etheridge of Watertown, NY, and Brian Etheridge, his wife Ruth and their 2 daughters Madonna Reed and Michelle Etheridge of Round Pond, ME; as well as two sisters, Dane Gregor and her husband John of Brooksville, FL and Debra Gagne, her husband Jim and their two children Garrett Gagne and Sara Gagne of Honolulu, HI.

Calling hours will be 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 12 at the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, 117 N. Massey St., Watertown, NY.

A Funeral Mass will be said 10 a.m. Friday, April 13 at the St. Anthony's Catholic Church.

Burial with military honors will be at the Chamberlain Cemetery in Round Pond, Maine in the spring.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County 1398 Gotham St. Watertown, NY 13601.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartandbrucefh.com.

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