Jack Beckley

John Arthur Beckley, known by all as Jack, passed away at the age of 83 in his home on Sunday, October 1, 2023, after a long period of declining health. Born September 18, 1940 in Dennison, he was the last surviving child of the late Floyd Bazal and Doris Muriel (Zay) Beckley, having been preceded in death by his siblings, Dick Beckley, Lois Ann Bear, Betty Weber, Gert Watson, Peg Gram, Floyd Beckley, Jr., and Mary Ann Beckley.
Jack lived in Dennison throughout his life and was a 1958 graduate of Dennison High School where he excelled at football and track. Recently, he was inducted into the Dennison High School Hall of Fame. He was a lifetime member of New Philadelphia Elks #510 and was a 32nd Degree Mason.
Jack was employed for many years by Associated Grocers and Tusco Grocers in Dennison, before eventually retiring as an electrician from Tuscarawas County's Maintenance Department. He was also a private electrician who had worked in many local homes and businesses over the years, as well as extending his services for free to many in need and for civic projects like installing lights at the PHAC and Uhrichsville ball fields for Little League games.
On February 16, 1962, Jack married the former Lynda L. Wright who survives him at their home. He is also survived by their daughters, Kelly S. (Thomas) Martinelli, Kathleen B. (Patrick) O'Brien, and Kimberly B. (Robert) Marron; grandchildren, Alex (Hannah) Martinelli, Taylor (Samuel) Stecher, Jack O'Brien, Mairin O'Brien; and Eamon Marron; great-grandchildren, Mila and Emmett Martinelli and Lincoln and Henry Stecher; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Everyone who knew Jack will remember his irrepressible sense of humor and zest for life. He loved telling jokes – usually laughing at them louder than anyone else – was a renowned local prankster, and he was an avid (some may even say obnoxious) Michigan Wolverines fan. His great, big public persona hid a privately very sensitive, compassionate, and caring man though. He loved his wife and daughters with all his heart, enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much – watching them play and grow, hearing their stories, and celebrating their accomplishments, and sharing his time and fatherly mentoring with many young boys and men in his community. His family will always deeply treasure their memories of how he, along with Lynda, was the glue of their tightknit family.
Jack's family will receive callers at the R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11. Pastor David Bryan will officiate a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 12, followed by a graveside service and interment at Uhrichsville's Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions honoring Jack's memory may be made to Community Hospice, Uhrichsville 1st Methodist Church, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.