2927 Dixwell Avenue
P. O. Box 185065
Hamden, CT 06518
203-248-4338
Richard Beck
1947 - June 7, 2020
On June 28, 2020, around twenty members of Grace and St Peter’s who had known and loved Richard Beck, gathered with members of Richard’s family under a tent in the backyard of Victoria Carpenter, with former Grace and St Peter’s rector the Rev. Julie Kelsey, to say goodbye to Richard Beck using the burial office from the Book of Common Prayer.
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Richard’s son Alex delivered a moving eulogy, and members of the church spoke briefly about Richard’s great generosity and self-effacing helpfulness in the parish community, from ushering to mowing the lawn to setting tables for Dinner for a Dollar. When something needed to be done, he would simply show up.
He had many friends in the congregation, contributed thoughtfully to church gatherings and discussions both formal and informal, and was treasured for his quiet humor.
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Richard Curtis Beck was born in Jamestown, NY in 1947 to the late Orsell and Celia Beck. He received a BS from Cornell University, an MS from Louisiana State University and a Doctorate from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Before enrolling in college Richard served his country in the Army and was deployed to Vietnam. He worked many years for Yale University in a variety of Information Technology positions, and prior to his retirement he was employed by Quinnipiac University.
Richard is survived by his two sons, Alexander (Tiffany) Beck and their three children, Greyson, Dylan and Wyatt, all of Orange, CT, and Nicholas Beck of Long Island City, NY. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Beck, of Lakewood, NY.
Those who knew Richard were aware of his love for his grandsons for whom he was a willing babysitter in his retirement years. He was an avid fan of UCONN women's basketball and enjoyed attending local lacrosse games. He loved the out-of-doors, music, good books, and dogs. He was known to be a more than willing dog (and cat) sitter for friends and family.
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Memorial donations can be made to your local animal shelter or Dinner for a Dollar.