Joseph W. Beard
Joseph Beard, age 78, died on March 14th in his home in Huntley, IL. Married for fifty-three years, he was the beloved husband of Elizabeth Ann Beard, nee Russell; loving father of Jean Beard (Kay), Tom (Penny), and Phil (Laura); devoted grandfather of Tommy, Sydney & Henry. He was the fond brother of Jan Erickson (Rick), Judy Borden, and Jill Young (Robert). He was uncle of many nieces and nephews. Visitation is Thursday, March 21st, from 4pm- 8pm at DeFiore Funeral Home in Huntley, IL. (10763 Dundee Road). The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Huntley on Friday, March 22nd, at 10am. Visitation at St. Mary’s will be held in the Narthex at 9am, preceding the mass. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the American Lung association
Joseph was a proud graduate of Monmouth High School, Class of 1959. He earned his BA from Northwestern University in 1963, and his MBA from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management in 1976.
Joseph enjoyed a distinguished career as a hospital administrator for over twenty years during which time he liked to tell his friends and family that he was, “in the business of caring.”
Joe and Betty enjoyed an active retirement together during which time they traveled to Europe, spent happy times with their grandchildren, and filled their days with hobbies.
At the tender age of 68, Joe decided to try acting and joined the Theater Company of Sun City appearing in Mame. He was hooked immediately and went on to enjoy roles in Meet Me In St. Louis (Grandpa), My Fair Lady (Colonel Pickering), and many others. The one he enjoyed most was the title role in Scrooge.
Joe loved the theater company and the wonderful friendships he made while acting. He lived by the famed theater adage, “the show must go on” as he faced the limitations brought on by his illness.
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Thinking of you each at this difficult time. Cherish all the wonderful memories and laugh and cry about each one. Blessings and prayers for each of you. Love, Hugs, Blessing, Judy
What a wonderful visit we had last Saturday; Joe was sharp, had his sense of humor and ate a good lunch. For US, the timing was perfect! Our sincere sympathy to all the Beard Clan - he was a fun, dependable cousin, husband, father, brother and grandfather. I'm so glad Betty and Joe have such a great family for support.
We are deeply sorry to hear about Joe's passing. He was truly one of the nicest and happiest men in the theater company. We will truly miss him. Much love to you Betty and your family. You will be in our prayers. He is singing and dancing with the angels. Gerry and Sam
To Betty and the entire Beard family, so very sorry for your loss. But also glad to know his family was by his side during the days before he got promoted. Fifty three years of marriage has no doubt produced some warm and colorful memories that you'll recall with your friends and family for years to come. In the meantime, Sheri and I will remember you and Joe and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers.
My sincere condolences to you Betty on your loss of Joe. May your memories see you through this difficult time.
Dear Betty and all your Family, What a wonderful Obituary you have written for Joe. Rick and I also really like that photograph of him. He was a very good brother and will be truly missed. We look forward to celebrating his life and being with you all. Lovingly, Jan&Rick
To Betty and family, it is with much sadness that I write to express my condolences and to share that Joe will be greatly missed by his friends in Fort Myers, Florida. He so enjoyed our Wednesday morning breakfast group and our weekly trip to Perkins Restaurant where he enjoyed the "magnificent seven" (2 eggs, 2bacon and 3 pancakes)! Joe will be fondly remembered as a caring friend and for his infectious smile, his upbeat personality and his wonderful singing voice! Sending positive thoughts, prayers and Blessing to Betty and the Beard family! Dennis
Joe was a great friend and classmate at MHS '59 and he will be missed by all of us. Nancy and I send our condolences to Betty and family.
Thinking of you and remembering the fun times at the condo.............Joe was a fine man, and I feel that God will give him the leading role in Haven.Peace be with you and your Family...Love Arlene
We've know Joe for about 10 years since his son Phil became engaged to our daughter Laura. Because of geographical separation, Chicago/Florida vs New Jersey, the times we actually got together were few but memorable. Whether it was with him in person or watching him as Scrooge on a DVD or him calling to congratulate us when the Eagles won the super bowl, we always thought of Joe as a good guy, a talented guy and a real class act.
We remember Joe with great affection. His warm and open personality and beautiful singing voice brought our Florida parties to life. We offer our sincere condolences to Betty and the family.
Judy, Jill, and all the Beard family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your brother, Joe, passing. Know that your family here at Immaculate Conception Church will be thinking about you as you move forward. Dan