Notes:
The Express, Monay, May 19, 1986, page 1
Radio personality gene Bethman dies
Listeners to WEST radio were without a familiar voice this morning, Gene Bethman who for 50 years broadcast a wake-up program at the Easton Station, died in Easton Hospital Saturday night after suffering a heart attack at home.
Bethman, 72, was one of the six original employees of WEST. He became the cornerstone of WEST’s morning programming, remaining in the morning slot for his entire 50-year career. His voice was first heard on Lehigh Valley resident on Feb. 17, 1936, the day the station began broadcasting. He was last heard on the air on Friday morning, the day before he died.
Ted Pierce, who worked with Bethman for 46 years before retiring three years ago, said he was “profoundly shocked by the sudden death” of his colleague.
“The Lehigh Valley has lost o of its broadcast pioneers, said Pierce, a former general manager.
“”in an extremely competitive industry where employment longevity is often determined by program ratings and other factors, gene Bethman complied an employment record that will stand as a challenge to future Leigh Valley broadcasters. It is doubtful that the record will ever be equaled or surpassed. Gene Bethman was one of a kind.
The station, Pierce added, lost “one of it most valued employees” while co-workers and listeners last a friend.
General Manager Larry Roberts said Bethman’s pioneering spirit allowed him to adapt to 50 years of constantly changing technology.
“The technology didn’t say move over (to Bethman),” Roberts said. “He hung right I there with it and moved in those 50 years and became an institution.
On Feb. 17, this year, WEST observed its 50th anniversary with a gala celebration that included special tribute to Bethman. Perhaps the most memorable tribute was a poem heralding Bethman’s accomplishment which aired nationally on CBS Radio as part of Charles Osgood’s “ The Osgood File”
In an interview with The Express on Feb. 16, Bethman talked about his early days in radio when he managed to play an organ and piano in unison to segue records.
“They had a big Wurlitzer pipe organ in the old building, “ he said. “Then we got a Hammond. I played that and the paino (Bothat the some time) and ran the records.”
WEST officials believe Bethman’s 50 years of morning duty is a national record, although they say it’s difficult to verify.
Mr. Bethman’s death leaves plans for WEST-sponsored cruise to Hawaii uncertain. Local residences had been urge to take the cruise along with Bethman and his wife Lillian. Station officials have not decided the cruise will be canceled, Roberts said.
As recently as Thursday night, Bethman and several staff members were at Historic Hotel Easton talking excitedly about the upcoming trip, Roberts said.
Born Aug 11, 1913, in Easton, Bethman, of 15 Morgan Hill Road in Williams Township, was a son of the late Thomas W. and Evelyn Sandt Bethman. He and his wife the former Lillian Siglin, Celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last Sept 5.
He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Easton, were he was honored in January 1984 for 37 years as the organist and choir director. He also was a member of the Musicians Union Local No. 379, and retired piano and organ teacher.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, ***** of Bethlehem Township and ***** of Newark, Del, a daughter, ******, of Forks Township, and seven grandchildren.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Easton. Interment will be in Hay’s cemetery of Easton. |
