Richard Beston

Richard F. Beston, 76, passed away on Jan. 12, 2011 at home in Connecticut with his family present. He was born on May 16, 1934 in New York City, the only son of Daniel J. and Elizabeth F. Beston. His beloved sister, Annette, pre-deceased him in 1992.

He was a graduate of All Hallows High School in the Bronx, where he was an accomplished pitcher on the school’s baseball team. His two proudest athletic moments were pitching a no-hitter as a youngster in summer league and later being approached by a scout for the Detroit Tigers and offered a contract with their farm team. Dick declined the offer to pursue a college education. He received his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Manhattan College in 1956 and his Master’s in Business Administration from Columbia University in 1957.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957-1960 as a Navigator and Weapons Officer and Navigational Instructor, and concluded his military career in the Reserves as a Captain. After completing his service, he briefly worked for Sperry Rand Corporation before joining IBM, where he remained for 28 years, starting as a college recruiter and, subsequently, becoming the Senior V.P. for Operations in SRA, an IBM Chicago subsidiary. After holding many other executive positions, he retired from IBM Headquarters in Armonk as Director of Personnel Planning. He then joined the outplacement consulting firm of Drake, Beam, Morin (DBM), where he served as a Senior V.P. for three years. During his long professional career in personnel he was recognized for his strong leadership, “people skills,” and natural

problem-solving ability. His wisdom helped many professionals chart new career paths.

After retiring in 1993, he left his home in New Canaan, Ct. and moved to Sanibel, where he was involved in church activities at St. Isabel and served as a Eucharistic Minister. He also served as President of his Homeowners Association for many years. In addition, he helped run the City Recreation Department tennis program for several years and participated in Team Tennis at The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club. On a lighter note, he enjoyed playing bridge with good friends and following the exploits of the New York Yankees and New York Giants.

Dick was a devoted husband, father and friend. He was a man admired for his clear thinking, wise advice and range of knowledge on many subjects, and loved for his legendary sense of humor and inherent kindness. His greatest pleasure in life was spending time with his family. He was “a boy from the Bronx, who never forgot from whence he came.”

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Edna Mae, and his five children with their spouses — Veronica and Joseph, Rick and Emerald, Peter and Paddy, Paul and Emma, and David and Kim. In addition, he leaves behind nine wonderful grandchildren — Emily, Matthew, Jack, Joseph, Natasia, Grace, Audrey, Annette and Katianna; a sister-in-law, Lois Ann Fetherston; a niece, Lisa; and five nephews — Peter, Paul, Vincent, Frank and Andrew. Although the family has suffered a heavy loss, happy memories of Dick will sustain his presence in their lives forever.

A funeral mass was celebrated on Jan. 15 at St. Mary’s Church in Bethel, Ct. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution to the National Parkinson Foundation (www.parkinson.org/) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org/index.asp) is suggested. Online condolences may be posted at HullFuneralService.com.