George J. Beckwith, 94

CHESHIRE, Mass. — Mr. George John Beckwith, 94, of Cheshire, formerly of Adams, died peacefully on Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, 2024, at his home. 

Born in Adams on Jan. 16, 1930, son of George T. and Adela Zoltek Beckwith, he attended Adams schools, graduating from the former Adams High School with the Class of 1949. He also attended the former Bliss Business School in North Adams. 

A Navy veteran of the Korean War, he served aboard the USS Ajax, until his honorable discharge in 1954.

George worked as a purchasing agent for the former Sprague Electric Co. in North Adams for 32 years, until the plant closed in 1986. He then worked in the Naval Ordnance division of General Electric Co. in Pittsfield for five years until finally retiring in 1991.

He was an active communicant of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Adams, where he was a member and chairman of many church committees including the Parish Council and Polanka Picnic committee. He was a member of Adams Post 160 American Legion, the Adams Lions Club, and Fraternal Order of Eagles in North Adams.

George was one of the founders of the Adams Youth Football League and was an active coach for the League, as well as for the Adams PAL Basketball League and Adams Little League, for many years.

He married the former Genevieve M. Melito on Sept. 25, 1954, in the former St. Anthony's Church in North Adams.

Besides his wife of 70 years, he is survived by his daughter, Susan Beckwith of Naples, Fla.; two sons, George Beckwith Jr. and his wife, Tammy, of Stamford, Vt., and Bruce Beckwith and his wife, Jeri, of Adams; five grandchildren, George R. Beckwith, James T Beckwith, Samantha Harmon, Ashleigh Yancigay and Jacob Beckwith; two great-grandchildren, Hudson and Vincent Yancigay, as well as several nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral procession will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. from PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, followed by the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Adams. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Adams-Cheshire Hurricane Youth Football, PO Box 385, Adams, MA 01220, or to the Adams Historical Society, 92 Park St., Adams, MA 01220. To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, go to www.paciorekfuneral.com.