Melvyn Geoffrey Beard

Melvyn Geoffrey Beard (Mel), age 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday, February 7, 2026, after a long and hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Melvyn was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 12, 1939, to Elsie May (Rosser) and Geoffrey Edward Beard. He was the beloved big brother of Noel. After graduating from John Adams High School in 1958, Mel was driven to serve his country and joined the Army Reserves. The discipline and sense of duty of the Army amplified his character and a lifelong respect for those who serve our country. He then studied X-ray technology at Doctors Hospital where he met Cordelia Smith, they married in 1962. Mel went on to become a machinist and retired from Kennametal after 38 years. Mel needed to be busy and doing something purposeful, especially after retirement. He became a volunteer at Habitat for Humanity in Geauga County. His dedication to their mission, positive attitude, and strong work ethic turned this into a second career. When Habitat relocated to Lake County, Mel found a volunteer opportunity with the Veterans Food Pantry in Chardon where he volunteered well into his 85th year. It was his great honor to be selected to volunteer on an Honor Flight and share his utmost appreciation to the veterans for their service. Mel had a kind and gentle soul. He was extremely generous with his time and talents. He imparted his vast catalog of knowledge to his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Mel enjoyed being outdoors and held a spiritual connection with nature. He never passed up the chance to have a bonfire or to skillfully navigate the Sandusky Bay on his boat, Eagle One. He was a dedicated Indians/Guardians fan, with their games being a cherished pastime in his later years. Most of all he was a loving, proud and dedicated husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, son-in-law, brother-in-law, cousin-in-law, uncle, and friend.

Melvyn is survived by his wife of 63 years, Cordelia; his children Nancy Talbot, Jeffrey Beard, David (Patricia) Beard, Jennifer (John) Storey, Amy (Jeff) Depa; his grandchildren, Jack and Hallie Talbot, Gabriella, Kirsten and Carson Beard, Morrighan (Kyle) Daughtry, Colleen, Bridget and Erin Storey, Madison and Mason Depa; his brother Noel (Debra) Beard, and many dear nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Finally, he is survived by his dearest friend Ervin (Kelly) Lake.

Melvyn was preceded in death by his loving parents Elsie and Geoffrey, his son-in- law Phil Talbot, and his granddaughter Hannah Talbot Brunner.

The family will receive visitors at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road in Chesterland on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St Anselm Catholic Church, 12969 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mel’s name to Habitat for Humanity or the Veterans’ Food Pantry in Chardon.

Finally, the family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the care teams at University Hospitals Geauga Campus- the Emergency Department and 2 South, as well as Reserve Care Hospice for their professional and compassionate care and support. Share a fond memory or condolence at www.gattozziandson.com