Stephen W. Beecher, Sr. (Jun 2, 1937 – Feb 26, 2013)

Stephen Williams Beecher Sr., formerly of Florham Park, and a resident of Brigantine; passed away peacefully on February 25, 2013, at home surrounded by his loved ones following a courageous battle with lung cancer. Beech was born in New York City and raised in the Towaco section of Montville and attended Boonton High School.

After graduation he joined the United States Marine Corp where he endured boot camp at Paris Island, South Carolina and was in the Corps until 1961.

Following military service, he worked briefly as head teller for Morris County Savings Bank in Florham Park and was then hired by the Florham Park Police Department in 1962. He graduated from the Municipal Police Academy at Sea Girt and worked for the Florham Park Police for 14 years during which time he also worked part-time for WAT Construction. He had assignments in the Patrol Division and Detective Bureau. In 1976, he was hired as an Investigator with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Beech retired in 1991 as an Investigator Sergeant. He served 29 years of decorated service in law enforcement. After his law enforcement career, he worked for Warnock Fleet in East Hanover and later for the Morris County Engineering Dept. as Senior Road Inspector.

He finally retired in 2011 and he and his wife moved to their home in Brigantine where he enjoyed the shore life and working on his koi pond and landscaping for which he received annual awards from the local Garden Club.

Steve was involved in professional and volunteer organizations his entire life. He was a member of PBA #78; Florham Park-Madison American Legion #43; Marine Corp League; Town Center Task Force of Florham Park; Poll Worker for Morris County Board of Elections for 10 years; Treasurer of Florham Park Republican County Committee; Treasurer of Retired Police and Fire of Morris County; Exalted Ruler of Florham Park-Fairfield BPOE #815 from 1986 through 1989; and State Vice President of the North West District from 1993-1994. He was an avid supporter of the Police Unity Tour and worked on the Support Team with his buddy Ron for many years. Last, but not least, he was the self-appointed President of the Florham Park Diner Social Committee.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Annie (Lawrie); by his loving Aunts, Ethel Hayes and Louise Thornton; and by his dear friends, George and Anita Hoffman, Earl Wallo Sr., John Iantosca, Ted Apgar, and Alex DeCroce.

Steve was survived by his devoted and loving wife, Judith (Bailey) Beecher, by two sons, Stephen Jr. and wife, Margaret of Randolph, NJ. and Jeffrey of Florida; by a daughter, Jacqueline of Florida; by eight grandchildren, Jessica, John, Felesha, Zachary, Trevor, Brianna, Damian and Timmy; by a great- granddaughter, Krissa; by his brother, Gordon of Shelton, CT, and by his sister, Laurie and her husband, John Bonanno of Newfoundland, NJ.

He was buried at the Holy Rood Cemetery, 61 Whippany Road, Morristown.  The family requested that donations be made to a charity of your choice or to the Police Unity Tour, P.O. Box 528, Florham Park, N.J. 07932