Joe Bete ’55 says that he leads a pretty ordinary life. Not! He lives in Deerfield and was at the helm of The Channing Bete Company for 28 years between 1967 and 1995. The company is located in South Deerfield, and currently employs 230 employees in the community. Two of his sons, Michael ’79, and his brother, Jonathan, continue to lead the company today. The health education publishing company’s mission is “to strengthen individuals, families, and communities by reinforcing healthy behaviors and commitment to positive social values.” Joe used to drive by the Academy every day on his way to work. As the years have gone by he and Marie have been able to see all the new buildings going up and how well the integration into a coed school has progressed. Joe relates that the school, which is practically in his backyard, has always been a great contributor to the community. Joe has been ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church. He relates that it’s a privilege in his mission to be invited into sharing very critical moments in people’s lives. Joe states that we can all be surprised at how the good lessons learned 2,000 years ago pertain to our own neighborhood and surroundings now. Submitted by
Tom L’Esperance Class of 1955