Memorial services for the Rev. Joseph T. Beckley, 65, will be Saturday, January 21st at 11 am at Trinity Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Rob Baldwin officiating. Rev. Beckley died Friday, December 30, 2016, at his home, following a long battle with ALS.
He was born Nov. 27, 1951, in Ft, Wayne, Ind., the son of Joseph T. Sr. and Nancy Naïve Beckley. He graduated from high school in Stow, Ohio, and attended Taylor University (Ind.). He earned his Master’s in Divinity from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio. Rev. Beckley served Christian and Missionary Alliance churches in Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. He enjoyed reading, writing stories and poetry, camping, music, and friends and family.
He married Debora K. Hazlett on June 16, 1979, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. She survives. Other survivors include a son, Aaron Beckley and wife Sarah, Pittsburgh, Penn.; a daughter, Rachel Schwaller and husband Robert, Lawrence; a grandson, Joseph ‘Fritz’ Schwaller, Lawrence; and a brother, Charles Beckley and wife Kerry, Missoula, Mont.
The family suggests memorial contributions to ALS Research at www.alsa.org
A true man of God. my prayers remain with the family.
With Heartfelt Condolences To The Beckley Family,
“For there is hope even for a tree. If it is cut down, it will sprout again. and twigs will continue to grow.” Job 14:7. Looking forward with you to the happy day when those we miss awaken from their sleep. With Kindness, Peace and Happiness,
So blessed to have known this man. He and Debbie were family the instant we met. We thank God for having placed this couple in Port Allegany demonstrating the love of God to all they met.
To ALL of the Beckley family. Thoughts and prayers for each and every one of you. I had the honor of meeting Joe only through FB and Barry Vinyard. He was an inspiration to me. Hugs to all.
I’m am so sorry for your loss..There will always be a space in my heart .Prayers to the family
Prayers for the family in this time of loss. Praise God that he let our lives touch here on earth. Joseph was an inspiration to me as well as many others. Loved his children’s stories with Gertrude Goose. So many smiles he put on children and adults faces. Always a good life lesson in those stories. Greatly missed, but yet knowing now you are free from the pain and frustration of the disease that took over your body. Till we meet again…..
Rev Joe. Your Earthly Challenges have ended and Heaven has opened its arms to you. Sending prayers to the family.
We will sorely miss him…he was taken from this world too soon. God be with Debbie, Rachel, Aaron, and the rest of the family. We I’ll cherish the memories of his service in Christ here in CT.
Debbie, Rachel, and Aaron, their spouses and Fritz, what a sad loss for you! Even tho it’s been many years since we’ve seen you, you hold a place in our hearts. Joe was so kind and compassionate, however, it was you his family, who backed him up and allowed him to be what he was. A pastor’s life is difficult, but you were all willing to make that sacrifice. May God bless you, and comfort you, now. The world is a sadder place without you, Joe, my brother. Patrick says, Debbie,
That you were one of his best teachers. He was saddened by this loss. He remembers the stories of the Great Forest.
Eddie, Becky, Todd, Brandon, and Patrick Gordon, Frankfort, Kentucky
My prayers are with you in your sorrow, even while remembering that “we sorrow not as those who have no hope.” We know that falling asleep in Jesus is a prelude to resurrection and reunion. May the Lord fill your heart with the confidence of his word.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at the passing of your husband and father. Sending condolences to you from the other side of the world and knowing that in Christ we are united in a way that distance can never separate.
We were so upset to hear of Pastor Joseph’s passing, but know that he is with his Lord now and in perfect health. We were at his church in Port Allegany for only a short time, but grew to love this very special couple. Pastor Joseph was a gentle person and so very kind to everyone that he met and talked with. Thank you Pastor Joseph and Debbie for being so special. We will miss Pastor Joseph very much, and we will keep you Debbie, and the rest of your family, in our prayers. God bless you and keep you!
Many thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our little church here in Port Allegany is very saddened by Joseph’s illness; however, we are relieved that he lead such a dedicated life to our Lord. We are very saddened by the loss of Joseph; however we look forward to seeing him again when our lives on this earth are through. We miss you Joseph. Our prayers are still going out for Debbie and the rest of his family.
Rachel and Rob: Our thought and prayers are with you and your family today. May God shine his loving light upon you.❤