Richard Lewis Beard

  • Born: November 21, 1932
  • Died: December 3, 2016
  • Location: Newton, Massachusetts

Eaton & Mackay Funeral Home

465 Centre St
Newton, MA 02458

Info@eatonfuneralhomes.com
Tel. (617) 244-2034

Tribute & Message From The Family


Richard Lewis Beard, of Newton, after a long illness, died Sat. Dec 3, leaving his beloved wife for sixty years, Carol, and sons Robert (predeceased) Forrest and Lincoln. The son of Lewis and Cora Beard of Clearfield, PA, he leaves his sister, Ruth Shear of KY, four brothers and their wives, John and Doreen, George and Muriel, of PA, Arthur and Alta of MO, Daniel and Barbara of SC. His oldest brother, David predeceased him. He leaves his sister-in-law and husband, Martha and Bruce TenEyck of Brewster, MA and many nieces and nephews and their families.
Richard received a Bachelor of Arts, Westminster College, Master of Theology, Boston Univ., Doctor of Education in Humanistic Studies, School of Education Boston Univ. He served as a chaplain assistant in the US Army. He served pastorates in Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Interested in the development and potential of computers, Richard joined John Hancock Life Insurance shortly after it purchased its first computer in 1964. In 1997 when he retired from State Street Bank, Boston, his focus was on anti-virus software.
Richard was a visionary advocate and tireless worker for the rights and needs of persons with developmental disabilities. He was a volunteer for many years in Greater Boston ARC and the Newton Special Olympics. In 1997, he and his wife donated their Newton family home to Newton Wellesley Weston Committee for Community Living to become a group home for their twin sons, two persons from the state institution and one from the community.
For many years, Richard played violin in the Newton Symphony Orchestra, and following his retirement, much enjoyed painting in the Wednesday Art Class at the Senior Center.
Burial will be private. A Celebration of Richard' s life will be held at 2 PM on Thurs Dec 15, 2016 at the United Parish of Auburndale 64 Hancock St., where he was a longtime member and leader. All friends and relatives are invited to the service and time to be with the family afterward.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimers Research Assoc. 480 Pleasant St Watertown MA 02472.

Services

Condolence & Memory Journal

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BE OF COMFORT TO YOUR FAMILY.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17

Posted by KELLEY - OH   December 21, 2016

Candle

Posted by Cristina Valente - Manchester, NH   December 11, 2016

Dick Beard was truly an exceptional man. He excelled at being a father, a husband, neighbor, friend, counselor, musician and more. I can't begin to describe the kindness of both Dick and Carol over the years. When my own father died, Dick stepped in. His service to the community and individuals in need was remarkable. The world has lost a great man, but I'm sure he will be smiling down on us all from his place in Heaven.

Posted by A friend   December 09, 2016

Dear Carol, Forest and Lincoln,

We were so sad to see in the "Globe" today that your dear husband and Dad has passed away. It was Dick's musical talent that brought us together in the early years of the NSO. We enjoyed so many evenings of music together and enjoyed so much the time Carol, Dick and we spent catching up on our families, and all. We are so sorry for your great loss and look forward to celebrating Dick's life with you on the 15th.

Love,
Jeanne and Leo Stolbach

Posted by Leo and Jeanne Stolbach - Dedham, MA - Friend   December 06, 2016

Sorry for the Loss.

Posted by RICHY SCHWALM - BILLERICA, MA   December 06, 2016

Dick was a warm and caring and supportive presence in my youth and I will always remember him fondly. My thoughts and best wishes are with Carol, Forest and Lincoln.

Posted by Jonathan Parker - Belmont, MA   December 06, 2016

Carol,
My thoughts and condolences are with you and Forrest and Lincoln. I have wonderful memories of my times with you and Dick during many Special Olympic events. I was always so impressed with your kindness, generosity, and energy.
Peace be with you. Amy

Posted by Amy Wilson - Burlington, VT - Family Friend   December 06, 2016

Always generous with his time, talent, and treasure. Dick and Carol never hesitated to reach out personally to families of newly diagnosed individuals with developmental disabilities. He will be missed.

Posted by Alice & Jon Taylor - Waltham, MA   December 06, 2016

Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Cynthia & Joe Sneider

Posted by A friend   December 06, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Posted by J    December 06, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God provide strength and comfort to the family during this difficult time of grief. My sincere condolences to the family.Romans 15:13;(GP)GA...

Posted by GP - GA   December 06, 2016