John Beal Obituary - (2016) - Londonderry, NH - Union Leader

Rev. John R. Beal

LONDONDERRY - Rev. John R. Beal, 74, of Londonderry passed away Thursday, April 14, 2016 at the Parkland Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 30, 1941 in Plymouth, a son of the late Earl W. and Minerva (Gallagher) Beal.

Dad enjoyed spending time with his family especially his 12 grandchildren. He took pleasure in practicing his old-fashioned, but accurate, left handed set shot, shooting hoops for hours. Dad had a tremendous sense of humor and quick wit. He also relaxed by watching baseball every summer and recalling the players from eras gone by.

Members of the family include his loving wife of 51 1/2 years, Naida (Peterson) Beal, three sons, Stephen Beal of Goffstown, Robert Beal , Peter Beal of Rochester and a daughter, Mary Beth St. Louis of Hooksett, daughter-in-law, Sue Beal of Manchester, 12 grandchildren: Stephen, Jr., Ryan, Erin, Sebastian, twins: Theodore and Jacqueline, Luke, Malcolm, Gideon, Zachariah, Rachel and Emma, two brothers, David Beal of Maine and Paul Beal of Londonderry, two nephews and one niece. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his twin sister, June Beal and a brother Roger.

Apart from his family, his greatest love was for His Savior, Jesus Christ and the study of the Word of God. Rev. Beal pastored churches in Maine, NH and Mass. In retirement years he worked at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.

He was a graduate of New Brunswick Bible Institute, Victoria, New Brunswick and Calvary Bible College, Kansas City, Missouri.

SERVICES: An hour of visitation will be held Monday, April 18, 2016 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m., officiated by Pastor Craig Little of Christian Fellowship Baptist Church and concluding with burial at Pillsbury Cemetery of Londonderry. To send a condolence, please visit www.peabodyfuneralhome.com. Any memorial donations can be made to Frontiers Mission (http://frontiers.org/)

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Published in Union Leader on Apr. 15, 2016.

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10 entries

April 20, 2016

Hi Steve,

Not sure if you remember me but my family attended Trinity Bible church back in the 80s and early 90s. My mom was Rosemary and my dad Alan as well as my sister Cathy. I just wanted to let your whole family know that I have been praying that God would bring you comfort during this time in the knowledge of knowing that Pastor Beal is with our Lord and Savior. I really appreciate all your dad did for our family and the church while he served as Pastor. I really liked your dad and still remember the day he sat in my living room prior to me getting baptized to discuss baptism. It was his conversation with me and my parents that caused me to make sure I was really a Christian, which led me to confirm my salvation in Christ a few days later. Of course, I also remember him baptizing me, lifting me up so people could see me and so I could speak into the microphone. I hope all of you are doing well, especially your mom. I am not a social media guy so I have no idea what goes on with people from the past unless my dad updates me or Cathy updates me. Please tell your mom and Mary Beth I said hello and I send my regards and I am thankful for their friendships with our family during that time of my life. Philippians 4:6,7

Jamie Dato

April 16, 2016

Mary Beth: You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dee Dixon

April 15, 2016

Steve, so sorry to hear of your father's passing.
Please extend our sympathies to your mother and all your family at this sad time.

Lorne and Brenda Leech

April 15, 2016

Rejoicing for Uncle John and praying for God's strength and peace for Aunt Naida and family.

Kevin & Becky Betts

April 15, 2016

Dear Naida and family,
Please accept my condolences at this time of your loss. John was both a friend and an inspiration to me. I think of John and Naida with fondness and admiration. May our Savior comfort and encourage you all during this time of your sorrow.
In Christ,
Jack Weertman

Jack Weertman

April 15, 2016

Grateful to have called him my childhood pastor. I remember his gentleness and kindness. I'm grateful to have been shepherded in an environment where Jesus was held as utmost.

Julie Wilding

April 15, 2016

Sending love to my precious Beal family. John will be missed! I don't ever remember life without him, and was so blessed to grow up with his influence! Memories of Rumney and Pit, softball, basketball (he never complained when he had to have me as his teammate), rides in the Camaro, Elvira on the radio, and laughing at his wit til everyone in the room was in tears. When I lost my first baby, he came to talk with me in the hospital, and it meant the world to me. Most importantly, my formative years were spent under his preaching, and it was an honor to be baptized by him. Goodbye, until we have the best family reunion ever - in Glory.

Elizabeth Piper

April 15, 2016

Wow. This hit me hard. I'm so sorry for this loss and all my thoughts and prayers are with the Beal family, especially 2 of my best childhood friends Rob and Steve and also Pete, Mary Beth and Naida.

Through Steve I was aware of the last few years for Mr. Beal and family and it wasn't easy for anyone I'm sure. Reading his words and talking occasionally I could feel what we all hope to avoid with our own family but Reverand John was instrumental directly and indirectly on so many of my friends that his life on earth was Saint like. Through Steve I've seen Gods amazing work and this task, affecting so many was instilled by Reverand John Beal. I am lucky and blessed to have known and been positively affected by him. He is missed.

A quick vivid memory from winter 1984 or 85. In a snowstorm, must've been before we all had drivers licenses or maybe just we were all afraid to drive, for some reason Rob, Steve and I needed to be at the high school. The path there from where we lived included going up and over Stonehenge Rd. which brought us to Mammoth Rd. down a steep hill. Well, there must've already been 6-12" of snow and it was blindingly falling but Mr. Beal was confident enough to drive us to LHS. He was not driving a 4WD or even front wheel drive, but was driving I believe a 1968 white Camaro, rear wheel drive and a big engine! Great looking car. Well once in it, I don't think I've ever ridden a roller coaster more exhilarating as he flew up and down the Stonehenge Rd. and I don't even think he touched the breaks once. Clearly this man believed his and our lives were in Gods hands as he was calm and cool the whole way.

Reverand Beal, thank you for the impact you probably didn't even know you had on my life and faith. RIP.

Jim Cardello

April 15, 2016

Uncle John,
SO fortunate to have had you as an uncle. I will be forever blessed with the sense of humor you helped me to cultivate. Thank you for your love and understanding.

tom beal

April 15, 2016

Dad I am so very thankful for the 48 plus years that God allowed us to have together on earth. I am eternally thankful that God gave me you as my father. I will miss you but I look forward to spending eternity with you and the rest of the family before you.

Steve Beal Sr.

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