Gary L. Beem

PALMYRA-Gary L. Beem, 73, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 31, 2025, on the family farm in Palmyra.

Gary was born on May 31, 1952, in Hartland, Maine, the son of the late Lewis and Jean (Boylan) Beem Jr. He grew up on the family farm, Beemland, in Corinna, graduated from Nokomis High School with the class of 1970, and received his machine tool degree from EMVTI. He proudly served our country in the United States Army as a member of the honor guard based in Washington, D.C., during the Vietnam Era. He had been employed as a machinist for 35 years at Cooper-Weymouth in Clinton, a position he did with perfection, but his heart was farming.

He owned and operated the Beem Farm in Palmyra, which he started in 1980. He was happiest working 7 days a week on the farm, in the fields, or delivering hay with help from his family, especially his brother, Stephen. Despite his rough exterior, he led with his kind heart. He appreciated all of his customers and friends, as witnessed by his gift of gab.

He is survived by his wife, Amy Beem; children: Melissa Colavecchio and husband Devin, Brittany Mallory, Chelsea Smith and husband Chris, Ian Mallory and wife Emily, Steph "Sierra" Beem and partner Katie, and Eli Beem; 14 grandchildren, who lovingly called him Grumpy; 5 siblings: Stephen Beem, Rebecca Hart, Kathryn Beem, Donna Cray and husband Mike, and Tammy Ellis and husband Mark; and many nieces and nephews.

A time of visiting will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, 191 Hartland Ave., Pittsfield. A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m., Friday, August 15, at the Goodwin Corner Cemetery, located on the family farm, 151 Oxbow Road, Palmyra. Family and friends are invited to gather at the farm after the graveside service for potluck and fellowship.

To leave a message of kindness or to share a memory, please visit www.shoreynichols.com.

Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pittsfield.