The Rev. Richard E. Beattie, BCC, an 80-year-old resident of West Haven and husband to Marilyn Schenk Beattie, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on November 11, 2023 following a valiant battle with cancer.
“Father Dick” as he was affectionately known, was born in New Haven June 20, 1943, son of the late Edward J. and Ethel G. Beattie. He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of more than 58 years, three daughters: Andrea (Frank) Foley of Clinton, Heather (Fredrik) Zetterberg of Branford, and Meredith Libby of Branford; a sister Valerie Johnson of Newport MI, and a brother Edward C. Beattie of Summerville, SC. Fr. Dick is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Brian (Ashley), Megan (Matthew), Anika, Emily, Brendon (Jackie), Samantha (Randy), Kendra, Colin, and Eve; and 7 great-grandchildren Madelyn, Emma, Dakota, Everly, Travis, KaliMay, and Theodore, 7 nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and nephews.
Fr. Dick graduated from the University of New Haven in June 1966 and continued a career in accounting. He then moved on to a corporate career at CHR Industries in New Haven retiring in 1990 as its Vice President, Administration and Controller.
While at CHR, Fr. Dick participated in a program sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of CT which led to his eventual ordination to the Diaconate in December 1985. He began Graduate studies at Sacred Heart University earning a Master of Art in Religious Studies in December 1996. Further course work led to the equivalency of a Master of Divinity Degree which allowed Fr. Dick to become a Board-Certified-Chaplain. His 15 years of chaplaincy at Yale New Haven Hospital allowed him to touch the lives of many patients, family members and staff. Fr. Dick continued the education necessary to fulfill the requirements for ordination to the Priesthood. He was ordained a Priest in the Episcopal Church in January 2002. After retirement from YNHH, he served several area Episcopal Churches as a Priest-in-Charge or Supply Priest.
Fr. Dick retired as Priest-in-Charge from Christ Episcopal Church in May of this year. He also served several years as the Chaplain for Eagle Hose & Hook & Ladder, Co #6, Ansonia Fire Department and was honored as a Life Active Member of Co #6. Fr. Dick was also a 50-year member of the Ansantawae Lodge No. 89 of Milford, CT.
The family will welcome visitors on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Christ Episcopal Church, 56 South Cliff Street beginning at 9:00 a.m. A service Celebrating the Life of Fr. Dick, with Holy Communion, will follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fr. Dick’s memory may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, Ansonia, the Samela Memorial Food Pantry (an Outreach Program of Christ Episcopal Church), or a charity of one’s choice.
The family wishes to thank the folks at Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home of Ansonia, who are privileged with the arrangements.
