Obituaries
Goddard F. Beck
Goddard Frederick Beck, "Goddie," of 1064 Wheatland Avenue, passed away on Monday, September 26, 2011 in Lancaster, at the age of 94. He was born on August 27, 1917 in Columbia, PA, the son of William Dunbar Beck and Elizabeth Goddard Beck – also the grandson of Hugh Goddard, Elizabeth Goddard, Peter Reilly Beck and Julia Dunbar Beck. He was preceded in death by twin brothers, William D. (1913) and Gerald P. (1969), and by his loving wife of 66 years, Dorothy Schickling Beck (2007).
Goddie was a proud graduate of Columbia High School, class of 1935, where he excelled in football and basketball. He enjoyed 75 years of reunions with his Crimson Tide classmates. He also played semi-pro basketball with the Columbia Merchants. In 1981 he was elected to the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, where he remained a member and supporter.
During World War II he served in the Navy, aboard the destroyer USS Champlin (DD-601) and later became a member of the ship’s reunion group. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives awarded him a service medal in 2006, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of the war. In addition, he was a member of American Legion Post #34 for 54 years.
For 47 years he worked in various positions, including management, at the Armstrong Closure Plant and Kerr Packaging, retiring in 1982. He was especially proud of being a skilled lithographer at Armstrong.
Goddie had many interests and hobbies, including a lifelong fascination with railroads. He owned an extensive collection of model trains. Over the years he devoted a lot of time to household projects, including the restoration of various family properties and also cottages on the Susquehanna and Conestoga Rivers, where he enjoyed boating.
He is survived by his seven children: Goddard, Jr. and his wife Willanne of Seattle, WA; Suzanne and her husband Keith Hoke of New Cumberland, PA; Kathleen, Francine and her husband Tom Moyer, and Stephen, all of Lancaster; Thomas and his wife Lorraine and Michael and his wife Connie, both of Landisville.
He was a loving and devoted Grandfather to Nathan Beck of Snohomish, WA; Evan Beck of Sultan, WA; Megan and her husband Kevin Cuff of Andover, MA; Molly Hoke, Ph.D. of Princeton, NJ; Jonathan McMillan and his wife Alison of Marlton, NJ; Jillian and her husband Kyle Almoney of Millersville; Patrick, Sarah and Kendall Beck of Lancaster; John Beck of Landisville, and Great-grandfather to Hannah Cuff of Andover, MA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 558 West Walnut Street, Lancaster (where Goddie was a long-time member) on October 15th at 11:00 AM, with Reverend Michael E. Messner officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Columbia, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to his life can be given to Sacred Heart Church, Columbia High School Athletics (200 North 5th Street, Columbia, PA, 17512) or a charity of your choice. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
My most sincere condolences to the entire Beck family on the passing of Mr. Beck (as I lovingly called him). I always enjoyed his huge smile and warm embrace whenever we crossed paths or as I drove by the house. Both he and Dottie were wonderful people and very close friends with my mother, Connie. May they all rest in peace.
In Christian love,
Leah Allison
Dear Michael and Connie,
I was so sorry to hear of your father’s death Michael, but when I read his obituary, what a wonderful full life he has had. Please accept this as my personal condolence
Margaret Lightfoot NSW Australia
I was saddened to hear of Becky’s passing. That’s what my father Harry Hess, called him. He was a good friend of Becky’s since HS, when they were opponents in basketball, and more recently renewed their friendship when he moved back to Lancaster. When dad spoke of Becky, it was always with a smile on his face. I will always remember the last time I saw Becky. It was at my father’s funeral Feb 2009. He spoke about some of their antics on the basketball court. What a wonderful man!
Kathleen Hess Russell
Want to send my sympathies to your family. Your father was a special man whom I remembered as a child visiting your home with my parents and then later in life coming into the grocery store at least once a week where I worked. Always giving me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek and calling me "Jod". I will never forget his smile that was always lighting up his face every time I saw him. I don’t think I ever knew his real name until later in life, Boom Boom was all I knew. I will remember him always and your family, especially every time I pass your home on Wheatlandcu Ave. I have to work Saturday so I won’t be able to attend, but please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Jody Kirchner Bowers
I am sorry for the loss of your father.
Dennis M. "Doc" Dougherty { LCHS 61 classmate of Goddard "Scrappy" Beck ]
My sincere sympathy to all of the Beck family because you have lost your wonderful patriarch. I will always think fondly of the summer days at Brookside Pool when the Quay family and the Goddard family became friends.
You can be proud that "Goddie" (as your mother always referred to him) and Dottie were your parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.
Sincerely,
Bernice Quay
Dear Francine,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Please find comfort in knowing that he is at peace after a long and fulfilling life. Your dedication and love was always evident whenever you spoke of him. He was truly blessed to have such a caring family.
Sincerely,
Your 3rd Shift Family
Lancaster General Hospital Pharmacy
My deepest condolences to the family of this wonderful and kind gentleman. I cherish my memories of your Dad who was always present to referee the children’s games in the alley behind our Lancaster homes. He happily and freely discussed and shared his views on many subjects including world and local events, sports and household repairs. Your Dad always had a sparkle in his eye, never complained and was so very proud of his wife and children whom he adored. Mr. Beck, as we Rowan children all called him, will be forever remembered as a solid and fun loving figure. We were privileged to have his presence in our lives.
Sissy Rowan Diaz-Cruz
