Joseph R. Beebe

Joseph R. Beebe of Sparta, NJ died peacefully at home on November 6, 2017. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 5, 1926 to Robb and Catherine Beebe. He was 91 years old. Joe lived in Sparta for the past 53 years. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Judy K. Beebe this past June. He is survived by 5 children and their spouses: Judith Zoeller (Geoffrey), Joseph P. Beebe (Nancy), John Paul Beebe (Erika), James Beebe (Kelly), Jeffrey Beebe and 11 grandchildren: Catherine Bell; Samantha Bell; Stephanie, Amanda, Ryan, Erin, Dylan, Jenna, Grace, Michael Beebe; and Trent Lupo. Joe was a parishioner and an usher for Our Lady of the Lake Church in Sparta, NJ for over 50 years. He was the first president of the Parents Guild at Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School, as well as a volunteer for the OLL Carnival and Bingo. He was an active volunteer at Pope John XXIII High School for many years. Joe served in the US Navy as an aviation ordnanceman assigned as a rear gunner on a Curtis SBD2C Helldiver Bomber for the duration of WWII. He served on board the USS Antietam and the USS Langley engaged in, but not limited to, the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the capture of the island of Okinawa. A highly decorated combat veteran, he was honorably discharged after the surrender of Japan in 1945. He was later recalled in 1950 and served in a combat role during the hostilities with Korea. He was again honorably discharged in 1952. Joe was a quality control professional who worked for various companies during his lifetime including Curtis Wright, Rockwell Industries, Ebasco Corporation, and Ingersoll Rand.

Friends may call Wednesday, November 8, 2017 from 2-5pm at the Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main St, Sparta, NJ 07871. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am Thursday at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 294 Sparta Ave, Sparta, NJ. Interment will follow with Navy Military Honors at Sparta Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s name to Birth Haven Inc. 6 Academy Street, Newton, NJ 07860.