Peter L. Beecher

GRANVILLE, NY - Peter L. Beecher, age 69, died after a brave battle against mucosal melanoma on November 6, 2015 at Rutland Regional Medical Center.
Peter was born on March 21, 1946 in Granville, New York, the son of Lawrence and Julia (Hoblock) Beecher.
Pete retired from the Washington County DPW after 29 years of service. Pete also worked part time for 10 years at Jarrett Engineers in Glens Falls. He treasured the camaraderie and friendships he gained while there.
Pete loved his family more than anything. He loved any excuse for a family gathering. One of his favorites was the Memorial Day camp out. There was always much love and fun shared at these gatherings and strengthening of the family bond, which was so important to he and Joan.
His garage was his pride and joy. Not only for the John Deere equipment and assorted paraphernalia it could hold, but it was a place to work on all the "fix-it" projects he enjoyed. Pete loved the farm and farm work which accompanied it. He also enjoyed the challenge of building Lego projects. Pete loved tractor pulling.
Pete was a member of the Roman Catholic Community of Granville. Pete always looked forward to serving as a greeter at St. Mary's. He loved the contact with his fellow parishioners, and an excuse to hug all the women, and to share his good natured humor with all who entered. But most of all it was his chance to serve the church and the Lord he loved so much.
He was predeceased by his mother in 2004, a sister Christine Beecher in 1994, a sister-in-law Debbie Beecher in 2010 and sister-in-law Lea Vigeant in 2002.
Pete is survived by his wife of 47 years Joan (Andrews) Beecher and his children Wendy Butler (Adam) of Hartford, Peter Beecher Jr. (Tara) and Matthew Beecher, all of Granville. He was the blessed "GiGi" to five grandchildren: Kathleen Hart (Travis), Christopher Beecher, Emily Butler, Matthew Beecher II and Brianna Beecher. He is also survived by Julie Beecher, Matt and Bri's mother. Left also to cherish his memory are his father, and his siblings: Lawrence Jr. (Barbara) of Hartford, Paul of Pittsburgh, PA, John (Barbara) of Granville, James (Shirley) of Milton, VT, William (Tony) of Palm Springs, CA and Michael (Janet) of West Pawlet, VT. In addition he is survived by his father and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Annabelle Andrews and his brother-in-law Lawrence Andrews Jr. (Carol) all of Granville.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 9, 2015 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 23 Bulkley Ave., Granville with the Rev. Joseph Arockiasamy presiding.
Burial will follow at Mountainview Cemetery in West Pawlet, VT.
Following the burial the family will host a gathering at the West Pawlet Firehouse and wish to extend an invitation to all to attend even if you can't make the funeral service. It will be a time of food, fellowship and remembering Pete's wonderful life.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church, 23 Bulkley Ave., Granville, NY 12832 or to the Granville Rescue Squad, POB 153, Granville, NY 12832.
Pete's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Granville Rescue Squad, Melanoma Department of Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the staff of the Rutland Regional Medical Center for the wonderful care they gave Pete.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Robert M. King Funeral Home, 23 Church St., Granville, NY.