John M. Beike

John M. Beike
of Leominster; 84

LEOMINSTER -- John M. Beike, 84 years old of Leominster, died Saturday, March 7, 2015 at his home with family by his side. John was born in Louisville, KY on June 24, 1930, the son of the late Charles and Stella Beike. He moved to Fitchburg in 1945, where he attended Fitchburg High School.

At the age of 18 he joined the U.S. Army serving with the 6th Armored Calvary 7th Battalion during the Berlin Airlift and the occupation of Germany. After 2 years in Germany he married the love of his life Gloria Buratti in Fitchburg, September of 1952 and shortly after shipped out to Korea. While in Korea he proudly served with the 73rd Tank Battalion, 7th Infantry Division and Ethiopian Battalion on outpost Erie and Arsenal. John attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and received 2 Bronze Stars for campaigns on Pork Chop Hill and was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" for valor "on the spot" during those campaigns.

John worked at the former Foster Grant Company as chief electrician until their closing in 1983. John also was a real estate broker for many years continuing into his retirement. During his retirement he had the privilege of organizing and placing over 2000 Veteran Bricks at Carter Park and served as Commander of American Legion Post 151 for 10 years.

John is survived by his three children, Marianne DiPerri and her husband Kevin of Leominster, John Paul Beike and his wife Victoria of Hudson NH, Charles Beike and his wife Nancy of Leominster, grandson Keith DiPerri and granddaughters Jennifer and Kristen Beike. John was predeceased by his wife Gloria, daughter Patricia Beike and his brother Charles Beike.

John's family would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the Veterans Services of Leominster, especially Director Rick Votour for his dedication and support. To all the doctors and staff at the Fitchburg VA and the nursing staff of the HealthAlliance Hospice for their love and support.

BEIKE -- A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 11am in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Johnny Ro Veterans Memorial Park, Leominster Veterans Center, 100 West Street, Leominster, MA 01453. The Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster is assisting the family.