John Bettencourt, Veteran, Boat Painter and Mover

John M. Bettencourt died at his Woodside Village home in Oak Bluffs on Friday, Nov. 4. He was 76.

He was born in Edgartown on Feb. 10, 1940 to Manuel and Olma (Gill) Bettencourt. He was a graduate of Edgartown High School. He went on to serve his country, first in the Marine Corps and then in the Air Force. After his service he returned to Martha’s Vineyard and worked as a boat painter and mover for Norton and Easterbrooks Inc., which later became Edgartown Marine.

John is survived by his sons: Paul Bettencourt and Susan Dostal and Mark Bettencourt, his wife Rebecca Cournoyer, and their sons Connor, Evan, and Roan. He is also survived by his brothers Michael Bettencourt of Edgartown, Bruce Bettencourt of Tierra Verde, Fla., and Peter T. Bettencourt of Edgartown; his sister Noreen of Edgartown; and four nieces and seven nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his daughter Theresa, his brother Daniel Bettencourt, and his sister in law Mary Jane Bettencourt.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. at the New Westside Cemetery on Robinson Road in Edgartown, with full military honors offered by the veterans of Martha’s Vineyard. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole, and Gleason Funeral Home.

Claire Bettencourt-Stafford, Tonawanda, New York

I am so sorry to learn Cousin John has left us!!!

November 11, 2016 - 1:55pm

Corinne Dorsey, Oak Bluffs Ma

So happy to have the pleasure of meeting John and sitting and listening to him talk about his life and about his family. I am going to miss the twinkle in his eyes and his quiet resilience with his health issues. My condolences to all family and friends.

November 12, 2016 - 4:36am

John McLane, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

My condolences to all his family and friends. I remember back in the day riding in his Boston Whaler over to Falmouth at night to buy Chinese Food. Also hanging out with his brother Peter are some of my fondest memories of MV. I wish I was on the Vineyard to honor John and his family.

November 12, 2016 - 11:37am

Ted Stanley, W Tisbury

I worked for Norton & Easterbrooks in the late 60s as an apprentice outboard mechanic. I remember John and Eddie Gentle would move Whalers and such after I worked on them. John was good humored, and all muscle. As I recall, one day another worker got into a bit of a row with him over the use of the outboard lift up at the Mill Hill shop. With his bare hands John picked up a Homelite 55 (about 230 lbs), moved it, and just walked away. A memorable and meaningful display of uncommon strength and grace. Rest in peace John.

November 14, 2016 - 2:03am

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John Bettencourt, Veteran, Boat Painter and Mover

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