Harry Beck Jr.

Harry G. Beck Jr., age 96, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026 in Parkville, Maryland. All of his family had a chance to visit him and say goodbye in his final weeks.

Harry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Audrie (Mohr) Beck, and his daughters Mary Moberly (Cliff), Catherine Shoup (Steven), and Laura Beck (Philip); his seven grandchildren Jennifer Moberly, Michael Beck, Robert Allman (Alexandra), Maya Shoup, Tyler Shoup, Vincent Allen, and Sawyer Allen; great-granddaughter Braylee Beck; sisters Eleanora DiPietro (Dan) and Carolyn Wilhelm; brother-in-law James Mohr; and many nieces and nephews.

Harry was born on October 6, 1929 in Baltimore, the son of Harry Sr and Catherine (Spine) Beck. Also known as Sonny, he spent his early years living on the city side of the Baltimore city/county line before moving to Overlea. Harry and his wife Audrie stayed in Overlea to raise their three daughters and moved to Daytona Beach, Florida when he retired at age 64. They returned to Maryland 4 years ago, after almost 30 years in Florida, to live at Oak Crest Village in Parkville.

Harry attended St. Michael the Archangel School and graduated from Loyola High School. He earned a BA from Loyola College and attended law school there as well, but did not matriculate.

Harry served in the United States Army as an enlisted soldier from 1951-1953, during the Korean War. He was stationed in Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands as part of the Atomic Testing Program, and watched as the world's first hydrogen bombs were detonated. When you could get him to talk about his years in the military, Harry would tell colorful stories that further cemented his legacy amongst his daughter's friends as "The Most Interesting Man in the World."

Harry worked a variety of jobs in his life before and after military service including building houses, office positions at Davidson Transfer freight, Pimlico Race Course, and Glen L. Martin Company - and even as a bartender at the now historic 4 Mile House in Overlea. He began working for the State of Maryland in his 30s and spent the bulk of his 28-year career at the Maryland Department of Health (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene). He started in an entry level position at the Rosewood Hospital Center, and later came full circle as Superintendent of the facility before retiring as a budget director in the Developmental Disabilities Administration. In retirement, Harry continued to work at golf courses in a variety of positions including the coveted starter, and volunteering as a Citizen on Patrol (COPs) and finally at Meals on Wheels. In his mid-80s he was still working several days a week, delivering meals to people much younger than he was with a jaunty smile and a kind word.

Harry enjoyed his time outside of work to the fullest, and he loved his family and especially his lifelong sweetheart and wife, Audrie or Aud. They lovingly renovated their Greenwood Ave home and added a built-in pool when their daughters were young for many years of fun and family parties. Harry would arrive home from work every day and swim laps, before ending the summer evening most nights on our screened-in back porch with Audrie by his side, listening to the Orioles game. Although they lived on a budget, they saved throughout their lives and prioritized family and personal experiences over things. They started traveling, took the kids along for the ride - and never stopped learning and exploring until they were both in their 80s.

Harry travelled with his family all over the United States on long car trips - always using a triptik and always staying at AAA rated motels with pools. He would sing "On the Road Again" from his beloved Willie Nelson as we pulled from the driveway in the pre-dawn hours for each new adventure. "King of the Road" was another favorite. Harry and Aud visited almost every state, and played golf on five of the seven continents. They took their children on ski trips, Florida vacations, and cross-country jaunts. In their later years, Harry and Audrie enjoyed river cruises in Europe - and they planned at least one round of golf on every trip, if possible.

Harry loved Florida and living on the Atlantic Ocean. He relished warm weather and sunbathing, and never wore sunscreen no matter what the doctors said. Harry was passionate about the Colts, then the Ravens, and always the Orioles. Harry's children were Jr. Orioles for years and attended many games at Memorial Stadium in Wild Bill Hagy's Section 34. Harry himself played sports throughout his youth, and enjoyed golf until he was in his 80s.

Harry was a devoted father and Pop Pop. He was always supportive of his children and grandchildren's sometimes crazy adventures - even when it meant they lived in foreign countries for months or years at a time. He never criticized the career or life choices that any of his family made, and when the going got rough he gave the best advice. Harry was ahead of his time in his social views and acceptance of all people on their merits.

He loved music and his tastes were varied including Big Band, swing, country and jazz. He was known to occasionally belt out Frank Sinatra at family parties - and everyone who knew Harry knew he did life "his way."

Harry's enduring legacy was his love of family and his devotion to his wife and soulmate, Audrie. Family dinners were a must growing up in the Beck family - and until the very end of his life, Harry enjoyed a candlelit dinner with his sweetheart every Sunday. His impact on those he loved was far-reaching. His grandson Mike even gave him a medal that he earned during his time in a combat zone to thank his Pop for helping shape his life. Harry's intellect, his storytelling, and his sense of humor have shaped his family and will live on in his descendents and our stories about him.

An organization that was important to Harry was Meals on Wheels (https://www.coavolusia.org/donate/index) where he volunteered. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to this organization.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

The obituary was lovingly written and submitted by his family.