NORWICH – Gordon David “Dave” Beckwith, 52, of Norwich, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Oct. 8, 2010, at his home
The son of Gordon and Evelyn “Jackie” Guinn Beckwith, Dave was born in Sidney in May of 1958. He attended Norwich High School where he was a member of the marching band and excelled at wrestling, earning the title of Clyde Cole Wrestling Champion at 98 lbs. in 1972. In 1976 he was the Section 4 STAC champion at 132 lbs. and also placed 4th in Section 4 at 138 lbs. Following his 1976 graduation from Norwich High School, he attended Morrisville College, graduating in 1991 with his associate’s degree, and continued his education at Binghamton University, from which he graduated in 2001 with a B. S. in Human Development with honors, Summa Cum Laude. Dave’s work career was varied. He was employed by Victory Markets as a warehouse foreman at the Borden Avenue site until Victory closed its doors. He had worked at Morrisville College’s Norwich branch, was state certified as a code enforcement officer, and, for the last 17 years, he was employed by Preferred Mutual Insurance Company in New Berlin as an Associate in claims and Liability Claims Supervisor. Dave was a member of Norwich Volunteer Fire Department’s Ontario Hose Company. An active gardener who enjoyed growing vegetables and sharing them with friends and family, he was a 7th degree member of the National Grange as well as a member of the Emmaunel Episcopal Church of Norwich. He was also an avid and devoted fan of the New York Yankees and of Syracuse University sports.
Dave is survived by his sisters and their spouses: Julie Beckwith of Norwich, Jackie and David Cooley of Brandon, Fla., Joan and Howard Nesbitt of Winder, Ga., and June and Steve Beneke of Auburn, Ga.; his fiancee, Kathy O’Connor of Sherburne; and by many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service for Dave will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23, from the First Baptist Church of Norwich. Officiating will be Dave’s cousin, Major Terry Shaffer of the Salvation Army, and the Rev. Dennis McKenna of Norwich. Interment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery at the family’s convenience. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Norwich Volunteer Firemen’s Association, 31 East Main St., P. 0. Box 631, Norwich, NY 13815.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Fahy Funeral Home website at www.fahyfuneralhome.com.