Stuart Beal

Stuart Beal passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013, in Sarasota, Fla., shortly before his 80th birthday.

He grew up in Talcottville and graduated from Rockville High School in 1951. He attended the University of Miami, where he played intercollegiate baseball, and subsequently received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Southern California. He taught and coached in West Hartford and Fairfield for 10 years prior to moving to Fort Lauderdale in 1969. He became a certified fundraising executive working for various nonprofits for 38 years. Included were the University of Miami, president of Venice Hospital Foundation, and many other charities in the Sarasota, Fla., area. He was the founding president of the Fund Raising Executives in Southwest Florida. While in Miami, he was honored as fundraiser of the year and later nominated for the same distinction in Sarasota. Stu's charismatic personality and wit will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

He leaves behind his daughters, Kimberly Beal and Jennifer Norris; and grandchildren, Justin and Megan Norris.

A celebration of life will be held at the Talcottville Church in Vernon at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southeastern Guide Dogs online at

http://www.guidedogs.org/support-us/in-memory-in-honor/

or by phone at 941-729-5665.