Walter Beck

Walter Beck, son of the late George and Helen Beck, passed away at the age of 91 on August 17, 2024, in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey. Born on January 24, 1933, in Orange, NJ, Walter loved good restaurants, an engaging book, or clipping interesting newspaper articles to send to friends and family.

Walter graduated from Columbia High School in South Orange, NJ, and furthered his education at the University of Vermont, where he continued to attend reunions and keep in touch with his Phi Sigma Delta fraternity brothers. He later earned a Master's degree in English Literature from Columbia University and was an avid reader and book collector, especially those of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Walter proudly served in the Navy, sailing the world and embracing the camaraderie of military life. After marrying Sue (Keil) Beck in 1958, Walter and Sue lived and raised their family in Livingston, NJ until moving full-time to Monmouth Beach in 2022.

Professionally, Walter dedicated many years to the family furniture business before embarking on a second career as a paralegal for Bendit Weinstock, where he continued to work until his retirement in 2020. Walter truly enjoyed working and made friends everywhere he went.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Walter was passionate about boating, photography, tennis, and later pickleball. He sailed a Hobie Cat, catboat and then a motor boat for many years, and enjoyed bringing friends, family members and especially his grandson out on the Navesink River whenever the tide would allow.

Walter is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Sue (Keil) Beck; his brother, George; his daughter, Ellen Beck and her husband, Michael Miller; his son, Kenneth Beck and his wife, Stephanie Pollak; and his grandson, Samuel Beck. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The family has entrusted Bernheim Apter Kreitzman of Livingston, NJ, with funeral arrangements. There will be a funeral at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at the Lehman Chapel, B’nai Jeshurun Cemetery in Elizabeth, NJ with the burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the University of Vermont scholarship fund or Clean Ocean Action, causes that were important to Walter.