Harford C Beck Obituary (1933

Harford Clayton Beck Horseheads, NY Harford Clayton Beck, age 89, passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family on February 19, 2022. He was born January 10, 1933 to the late Elizabeth & Willard Beck. He was one of 9 children born & raised on the family farm in Roaring Branch, PA. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brother Carl Beck, his sisters Mary (Charles) Messner & Catherine (Robert) Fulmer, brother-in-law Howard Antes & and his second wife Alice Opper Beck. He is survived by his children: Vikki (Gary) Gilliland of Sarasota, FL; Rick Beck of Horseheads, NY; Larry (Tammy) Beck of Elmira Heights, NY & Doug (Pam) Beck of Lorain, OH; His grandchildren: "RC" Richard Clayton Gilliland, Daniel Gilliland, Ashley (Buddy) Barrett, Andrea Beck (Kevin Rice) & Leslie Beck, as well as 2 great-grandchildren Ethan & Marianna Barrett and his ex-wife Catherine (Sadie) Beck. He also leaves behind his sister Helen Antes of Gillett, PA and 4 brothers, Russell (Betty) Beck of Naylor, GA; Bill (Phyllis) Beck of Canton, PA; George (Florence) Beck of Ralston, PA and Harry (Virginia ) Beck of Muncy, PA. In addition his step-children: Lloyd (Andrea) Opper, Thomas (Patricia) Opper, Mary (Stanley) Smith, June (Ronald) Georgia and Sharon (Mike) Lighton, 19 step-grandchildren, 32 step-great grandchildren, 19 step- great great grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews. He grew up working on his family farm until he married his 1st wife & began work at the JP Ward Factory in Blossburg, PA. After moving his family to Elmira Heights, NY he worked at Kennedy Valve until they went on strike in the 1960s. He was a volunteer with the Elmira Heights Fire Department for many years. While on strike he worked many odd jobs to support his family, until he became employed full-time as a driver for the Elmira Heights Fire Department & dispatcher for the Elmira Heights Fire & Police Departments. He worked 22 years until his retirement as Chief Driver in 1988. After retirement he enjoyed himself gardening, deer hunting with family & friends, going to garage sales & antique shopping. He spent many hours refinishing and restoring his wooden "treasures" in his workshops in Elmira Heights and Horseheads, NY. He remained active his entire life and lived independently until he was hospitalized January 2nd with COVID. A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held in the summer at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to remember Harford please consider donations to the Elmira Heights Fire Department, 215 Elmwood Ave., Elmira Heights, NY 14903 is his memory.