Jeffrey Scott Beach

Jeffrey Scott “Jeff” Beach, 53, of Oneonta, New York, passed away unexpectedly on March 24, 2026. Born and raised in Oneonta, Jeff remained deeply connected to the community he loved throughout his life.

Jeff was predeceased by his parents, Janet and Leon Beach, and his uncle, Eric.

He is survived by his beloved sister, Krissy; his aunts Marie, Nancy, Eleanor (Tom), Carol (Woody), Kay (Jean), and Gail; his uncles Rick (Barb), David (Cathy), and Bruce (Alice); and many cousins, including Richard, Teena, Jeremy, Nick, Ben, Tirzah, Robert, Rachel, Alex, Scott, and Trevor.

From a young age, Jeff was known for his kindness and gratitude. His thoughtfulness stood out even then—so much so that his mother would receive calls from other parents, grateful that Jeff had taken the time to thank them for dinner.

In early adulthood, he formed lasting friendships through a variety of jobs, including working at the Autumn Café, and carried that same spirit into his education at SUNY Delhi, the University of Colorado, and SUNY Oneonta, and into a career dedicated to helping others. He worked as a program coordinator for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County and Berkshire Farm Center, served as a residential manager at Springbrook, and for the past decade was a community health navigator with the Bassett Healthcare Network, where he made a lasting impact on countless lives.

An avid lover of the outdoors, Jeff could often be found hiking, kayaking, or biking—frequently taking on challenges like completing every season of the Otsego County Octet. He loved sharing photos of nature and was just as likely to be found wandering the woods as he was unexpectedly running into friends and family along the way.

Jeff had a gentle spirit and was known for his incredible patience, kindness, and selflessness. He was a devoted and loving big brother, creating cherished memories with his sister Krissy—whether it was long drives to camp filled with music from The Beatles, Guns N’ Roses, Neil Diamond, and Johnny Cash, or quiet moments spent playing chess, Uno, and board games together. Krissy especially loved playing “name that 80s TV show” with Jeff—though she would often proudly claim the win. In countless ways, Jeff showed his love for her, from these shared moments to redecorating her room in her favorite colors—no matter what they were—and even making sure her clothes and pajamas matched.

He loved to travel and spent time living in Boulder, Colorado, where he even dabbled in restaurant management. Whether near or far, Jeff carried with him a deep appreciation for life, nature, and connection.

Jeff will be remembered most for always putting others first, for his steady presence, and for the kindness he showed to everyone he met. He will remain forever in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 1st at Elm Park United Methodist Church in Oneonta.

Grounded in his faith, Jeff found purpose in helping others and building community. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Safe Haven (Formerly the Lord's Table) in Oneonta in honor of that enduring spirit.