On Thursday, March 11, Jon M. Wetterlow passed away under the care of the Catholic Hospice after a valiant six-year battle with cancer. He was 74. A beloved brother, uncle and friend, Jon will be deeply missed by the countless individuals who were fortunate enough to know him.
Born at Beverly Hospital to Marjorie L. (French) Wetterlow and Eric H. Wetterlow Jr., Jon was raised in Manchester-by-the-Sea. He studied at Northfield Mount Hermon before going on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree from Colgate University.
Jon’s impressive career in broadcasting was deeply influenced by his lifelong love of sports. He was a sports director for WESX in Marblehead before moving to Hyannis and working as a broadcaster for WCVX and 99.9, WQRC. Especially passionate about hockey, Jon sometimes filled in on TV-38 covering Boston Bruins games. He would later relocate to Fort Lauderdale and work in retail and banking.
Known for his congeniality, Jon easily made friends wherever he lived. He never forgot a birthday and loved sending his great nieces singing greeting cards.Always so witty, he referred to them as the ‘North Shore socialites’ due to their many play dates and activities. He reveled in being an uncle and great uncle.
Jon was described by his family and friends as a real gentleman who enjoyed life to the fullest. When he would meet friends for a meal or for happy hour, he would delight them with his quick sense of humor and encyclopedic knowledge of sports. His brother Rick very much enjoyed their lengthy phone conversations and Jon’s summertime visits to the North Shore.
Jon’s love of the arts took him to many a production. He enjoyed the symphony and theatre. He would always recap these experiences to his family and friends, making them feel as if they were there too.
Jon is survived by his loving brother, Eric (Rick) H. Wetterlow III of Manchester-by-the-Sea; his niece and goddaughter, Frances Wetterlow-Thibeault of South Hamilton, her husband Jeffrey Thibeault and their children Amelia and Aerin Thibeault; his niece Erica Wetterlow and her husband RJ of Marlborough; his nephew Kurt Wetterlow of Beverly; his niece Tracy Callanan, her husband Michael Callanan and their children Brendan, Kate and Riley Callanan of Needham; and many friends near and far. Jon was predeceased by his parents, Marjorie L. and EricH. Wetterlow Jr., and his aunt Leslie Wetterlow.
A private memorial service for Jon’s family will be held, with later plans for a larger celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The V Foundation for Cancer Research (14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513 or www.v.org). Jon had a special affinity for V Foundation founder, renowned basketball coach Jim Valvano. They shared a similar philosophy – “Never give up!”
Jon’s family would like to express their deep appreciation to Jon’s caretaker, Angela Johnson, whom he affectionately referred to as his personal assistant. They are also grateful to Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale.
