Richard W. Beckwith

On March 16, 1963, at Hannah United Methodist Church, Port Matilda, he married Dorothy L. “Dot” Bryan, who preceded him in death in 2011.

Surviving are 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 was preceded in death by his brother, John D. Jr.; and sister, Kathryn Williams.

Richard was a member at Hannah United Methodist Church, Port Matilda, and a 1954 graduate of Tyrone High School.

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, a 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 U.S. 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 dirt track races, and his favorite NASCAR driver was Tony Stewart. He also raced enduro and motocross. 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.

Friends of Richard W. Beckwith will be received from noon to 2 and 4 until the 6 p.m. service with military honors on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, at Feller Memorial Home, Tyrone. Pastor Ben Hoover will be officiating. Private interment will take place at Bald Eagle Cemetery.

Donations in Richard’s Memory may be made to The Fowler Grove Community Center, 11246 S. Eagle Valley Road, Port Matilda, PA 16870.

fellermemorialhome.com