Robert G. Beadle

1926 - 2021

Beadle, Robert G. SCHENECTADY Robert G. "Bob" Beadle, 94, died peacefully on April 15, 2021, at the Kingsway Arms Nursing Center in Schenectady. Bob was born on November 25, 1926, in Little Rock, Ark., where he attended public schools. Following service in the U.S. Navy, he graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a degree in electrical engineering. As an undergraduate, he was elected to honorary societies: Tau Beta Pi and Omicron Delta Kappa. Upon graduation, he joined General Electric on the engineering training program. He moved to Schenectady in 1949 where he completed the company's Advanced Engineering Program. At G.E., he was an application engineer specializing in industrial products and systems for rolling mills for the steel and aluminum industry. He was responsible for the engineering and project management of a wide variety of projects for both U.S. and international clients. He was deeply involved in the engineering of advanced automation for rolling mill drive systems, including the first use of a digital computer to control an entire hot strip mill in 1960. For that project, he was awarded a patent and G.E.'s "Cordiner Award." At about the mid-point of his G.E. career, Bob transferred to G.E.'s installation and service engineering operation where he was named general manager of the department responsible for field engineering service on electrical products for industrial customers. In that assignment, he directed an organization with offices throughout the U.S. and Europe. He retired in 1986. Throughout high school and college, Bob was very interested in classical music. He attended the Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan in 1943, and was a member of the Arkansas State Symphony. He continued his interest in music throughout his life, and was a member of several capital district orchestras and area amateur musical groups where he played French horn. Mr. Beadle was a longtime resident of Niskayuna, as well as a member and elder of the First Reformed Church of Schenectady. Bob is survived by his daughter, Nancy L. Vrigian; three granddaughters, Stephanie L. Beadle, Kimberly M. Vrigian, and Stacey L. Vrigian; daughter-in-law, Jean Saunders Beadle, and several nieces and a nephew. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Marilyn Johnson Beadle; his son Curtis R. Beadle; grandson Robert S. Beadle; brother Ralph E. Beadle; and his parents, Ralph W. Beadle and Jessie G. Smith. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. You may celebrate Bob's life by making a memorial contribution to the Interlochen Center for the Arts, Attn: Advancement, P.O. Box 199, Interlochen, MI, 49643; or, to the First Reformed Church of Schenectady, 8 North Church St., Schenectady, NY, 12305. To leave condolences for Bob's family please visit www.jonesfh.net