Richard E. Beswick Jr.

Richard E. Beswick Jr. passed from this life peacefully on June 24, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on August 11, 1940, in Camden, New Jersey, he led a loud, full life, overflowing with family, good friends, and laughter.

Rich married his high school sweetheart, Carol, on his birthday, August 11, 1962, (the date chosen so he would never be able to forget their wedding anniversary!) The proposal was pure Rich: "Carol, I'm getting tired of taking you home. Let's get married." So began the 64 year strong duo of Carol & Rich, the outgoing, fun-loving power couple known for the ability to make instant friends with anyone they met, who were always ready for an adventure, whether it was exploring Ireland and Europe, traveling across the US, or getting in the car and going for a Sunday drive without a destination just to see where the road would take them, always finding a restaurant at the end to stop for a glass of wine.

Together with Carol, Rich presided over what was lovingly referred to as the family Clan, as father to their 2 children, Scott and Tammy, Grandpop to 5 grandchildren, Peter, Ashlee, Paul, Laura and Brian, and carrying on the mantle of "Gpop" for the blessings of 7 great grandchildren - Corvin, Giovanna, Olivia, Pierce, Clay, Isabella, and Paul Michael. He is also survived by his sister, Jane, and nephews Vaughn and Dale. Rich loved his family intensely and would do anything for them, and was known for always ending every phone call with, "Is there anything we can do for you? Anything you want? Anything you need? Just let me know."

Rich served in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1961, stationed in California. He felt lifelong pride in that service and dedicated himself to continuing to support fellow service men and women throughout his life any way he could. He was a member of the American Legion, serving as Adjutant in his local chapter. He belonged to Vietnam Veterans Chapter 899, which gathered to meet the planes of returning combat soldiers to welcome them home from war. He also served as an honor guard for the Mission of Honor, where he helped claim the ashes of veterans no family had come for and lay them to rest at General Doyle Cemetery with the 21-gun salute - over one hundred fallen soldiers, buried with the honor they had earned.

Rich had an eye for color, composition, and beautiful things. He loved working in the yard, taking pictures, going out dancing with Carol, and playing with all his great-grandchildren. He was always laughing, always joking, and always ready to help whoever needed it.

His legacy will be carried on through his family, through Brian carrying on the Beswick name and Clan ring Rich bestowed on him, Laura carrying on his love of world travel, Ashlee carrying on his love of good wine, Peter carrying his charisma and ability to make friends anywhere, and Paul carrying on his love for big family gatherings with all the cousins, and them passing it all down to their own children.

A Celebration of life will be held on July 18, 2026 with visitation from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the LeRoy P. Wooster Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 4:00 PM.

Military honors will be conferred in a solemn ceremony at 4:30 PM, paying tribute to Richard's service and sacrifice.

Richard was preceded in death by his father and mother: Richard E. Beswick Sr., Mae Beswick, (née Clarke)

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Rich's name to:

NJ Mission of Honor
PO Box 149
Lodi, NJ
07644