Gene Edward Patrick Beecher

HUDSON FALLS Gene Edward Patrick Beecher, 72, of Main Street, passed away on Friday, May 30, 2008, at the Glens Falls Hospital, after a short illness. Born on July 29, 1935, in Fort Edward, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Mary (Hurley) Beecher. During his teenage years Gene worked at the Queensbury Hotel as a busser and dishwasher. He then worked in the offices of Great Meadow Prison in Comstock. He then joined the Army. Upon his return from serving his country, he embarked on a 33 year career at SUNY Albany. He worked in the Registrar's office and in his own words "ran half of the mailroom." He retired to return to Hudson Falls to care for his mother. Gene enjoyed trips to New York City to enjoy the theater, opera and concerts. He loved to sing and entertain anyone willing to listen to him. He enjoyed riding his bicycle around town. Gene always said that he stupidly never learned to drive. One of his most cherished memories was time spent with his family at Trout Lake. He adored his niece Kelli Jean and her daughter Lexi, to whom he referred to as "The Princess." Gene enjoyed caring for his nieces and nephews in their younger years, so to help out his sisters. At any occasion, Gene came bearing gifts. He looked forward to being involved in all family gatherings. Gene was a great life storyteller. Whenever his family would leave, he would stand out front and wave until they were completely out of his sight. He enjoyed traveling and visited Italy, Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Jamaica and California. Gene spent many afternoons reading at our local libraries. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved sister, Ruth Beecher Ellis. He is survived by his special niece, Kelli Jean Casey Herrick of Hudson Falls, his great-niece, Lexi Herrick of Hudson Falls; his niece, Patti Alexander and her husband, Steven, of Salem; his great-nephew, Dean Sherman of Salem; his nephew, Tim Casey and his wife, Colleen, of Hartford; his great-nieces, Chanleigh Casey and Kayla Casey, of Hartford; his great nephew, Lucas Casey of Hartford; his brothers and sisters, Mary Ellen Beecher Yovin and her husband, Jay, of Arizona, Mike Beecher and his wife, Marie, of South Glens Falls and Edward Beecher and his wife, Dorothy, of Glens Falls, John Beecher and his wife, Mary, of Fort Edward and Mark Beecher of Glens Falls; his brother-in-law, Jay Ellis of Greenwich; his cousin Dorothy Butler of Saratoga Springs; and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Mary's/St. Paul's Church, on the park, in Hudson Falls. The Rite of Committal, at St. Mary's Cemetery in South Glens Falls, will take place at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be made by visiting the funeral home's Web site at www.car letonfuneralhome.com. Gene's family requests that memorial donations in his memory be made to the Crandall Public Library, 251 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.