Obituary for Richard W. Beckwith
Richard W. Beckwith, 86, of Port Matilda, passed away at home on December 2, 2022 with his loving family around him. Born on September 7, 1936, the son of the late John D. Sr. and Dorothy (Yarnell) Beckwith. On March 16, 1963, at the Hannah United Methodist Church, Port Matilda, he married Dorothy L. “Dot” Bryan, who preceded him in death in 2011. He is survived by a daughter: Lori (Chris) Nedrich of Sheffield Lake, Ohio; a son: Stephen W (Betsy) of Port Matilda; four grandchildren: Stephenie (Seth) Lesser, Jared (Kathleen) Beckwith, and Brooke and Morghan Nedrich; a great grandson: Reed Stephen Lesser; sister Joan Shuey; and brother Gerry Beckwith, both of Port Matilda. He is preceded in death by his brother John D. Jr. and sister Kathryn Williams.
Richard was a member at Hannah United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Tyrone High School in 1954. Richard retired from the Chicago Rivet in 2003 as a machine operator. Before the Rivet he worked as a logger and throughout his life also owned and operated several businesses including an excavating company, a dairy farm, transportation company delivering steel and livestock, as well as a motorcycle shop where he sold CZ, Puch, and Jawa bikes. He was a Hoffman Seed salesman, and drove buses for Beckwith Transportation and Fullington Trailways. Richard also served as the Taylor Township Supervisor for over 30 years.
He was enlisted in the US Army National Guard and retired after 20 years of honorable service to his country.
Richard was a member of the Elks Club and enjoyed hunting and racing of all kinds. He liked to spend time at the Port Royal Speedway watching the dirt track races, and his favorite NASCAR driver was Tony Stewart. He also raced enduro and motocross himself. He was responsible for organizing the conception of the Central Pennsylvania Motocross Park in Marengo, PA and was also responsible for bringing in some of the first European motocross racers to compete in the United States in Stormstown, PA.
A 6:00 pm service with military honors for Richard W. Beckwith will be held on Monday, December 12, 2022 at Feller Memorial Home, with Pastor Ben Hoover officiating. Friends will be received Monday, December 12, 2022, at the Feller Memorial Home from 12-2 and 4-6 pm. Private interment will take place at Bald Eagle Cemetery. Donations in Richards Memory may be made to The Fowler Grove Community Center, 11246 S Eagle Valley Rd., Port Matilda, PA 16870.
Richard was a member at Hannah United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Tyrone High School in 1954. Richard retired from the Chicago Rivet in 2003 as a machine operator. Before the Rivet he worked as a logger and throughout his life also owned and operated several businesses including an excavating company, a dairy farm, transportation company delivering steel and livestock, as well as a motorcycle shop where he sold CZ, Puch, and Jawa bikes. He was a Hoffman Seed salesman, and drove buses for Beckwith Transportation and Fullington Trailways. Richard also served as the Taylor Township Supervisor for over 30 years.
He was enlisted in the US Army National Guard and retired after 20 years of honorable service to his country.
Richard was a member of the Elks Club and enjoyed hunting and racing of all kinds. He liked to spend time at the Port Royal Speedway watching the dirt track races, and his favorite NASCAR driver was Tony Stewart. He also raced enduro and motocross himself. He was responsible for organizing the conception of the Central Pennsylvania Motocross Park in Marengo, PA and was also responsible for bringing in some of the first European motocross racers to compete in the United States in Stormstown, PA.
A 6:00 pm service with military honors for Richard W. Beckwith will be held on Monday, December 12, 2022 at Feller Memorial Home, with Pastor Ben Hoover officiating. Friends will be received Monday, December 12, 2022, at the Feller Memorial Home from 12-2 and 4-6 pm. Private interment will take place at Bald Eagle Cemetery. Donations in Richards Memory may be made to The Fowler Grove Community Center, 11246 S Eagle Valley Rd., Port Matilda, PA 16870.