Obituary of William Beck

William E. Beck passed away July 18, 2017, a month short of turning 99. Born and raised in Newark, he lived in Bloomfield before retiring to Basking Ridge.

Bill worked his entire career of 41 years in Western Electric in Kearny, as a toolmaker and a teacher in their tool maker’s apprentice program.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII as a Motor Mechanic.  He crossed the Atlantic a number of times on a Landing Ship for Tanks and served in Italy and North Africa.  He shared many interesting stories of his adventures while in the Navy.   Upon his return, he stayed close to the ocean, and built a house in Lavallette and spent much time fishing, crabbing, and canoeing.  He acted as the local lifeguard and rescued a number of people that were being pulled out by the rip current.   

While living in Bloomfield, neighbors would call upon his skills as a handy man and tomato gardener. He made a memorable trip to Ireland to visit family and tour.  He enjoyed making new friends in the past twenty years at Fellowship Village, in Basking Ridge.

Bill Beck was predeceased by his wife, Mary.  He is survived by his daughter, Paula her husband, Bill Hamilton and his grandchildren, Jake, Will and Stefanie.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, July 23, 2017 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the Kearns Funeral Home, 103 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse. A service will be held at 4:00 PM during the visitation.
 
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Vision Loss Alliance of NJ at www.vlanj.org or 156 Morris Ave. Suite 2, Denville, NJ  07834.