McDONOUGH – Lawrence H. Beckwith, 64, of McDonough, passed away, March 6, 2011 at his home after a long battle with cancer. The son of the late Elton J. and Virginia Potter Beckwith, Larry was born on Aug. 11, 1946 in Norwich.
While growing up in McDonough, he attended the local elementary school and was a 1966 graduate of Oxford Academy and Central School. After graduating Larry ran the family dairy farm, after a few years Larry left the farm and worked at Grand Union and the Agway. In 1978 he took a position with the McDonough Highway Department and in 1993 he was elected Highway Superintendent and served in this position until his retirement in November 2010.
Larry also served 35 years in the McDonough Fire Department, and served as President, 1st and 2nd Assistant Chief and Fire Chief. Larry was also awarded the Lifetime Member Award by the fire department. He was also a member of the Chenango County Highway Superintendent’s Association.
On Oct. 21, 1967, Larry married Deborah Nichols, who survives. He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Gregory and Karen Beckwith of North Norwich; his sister and brother in law, Sandra and John Mushock of Goodyear, Ariz.; his brother, Thomas Beckwith of Greene; and his sister in law, Judith Beckwith of McDonough. Also surviving are his two granddaughters, Stacia Lynn and Hope Christine Beckwith of North Norwich. Several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews also survive. He was predeceased by his brother, Ronald Beckwith.
The family will receive friends at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. Members of the McDonough Fire Department will provide and honor guard and call as a group at 2 p.m.
Per Larry’s request, a private funeral service will be held and burial at a later date.
Those wishing to remember Larry with a donation are asked to consider Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815 or the McDonough Fire Department.