Life-long learner and educator.

BECKETT, Lloyd S. Jr.

Lloyd S. Beckett, Jr. of Falmouth, MA, formerly of Lexington, died suddenly on Friday, January 6th, in Bradenton, FL. He was born in 1934 in Boston to parents Agnes (Johnson) and Lloyd Beckett Sr. He grew up in Milton, and graduated from MIT, class of 1956. While at MIT, he met the love of his life, Ruth (Cahill), and they married in 1957. He proudly served in the

U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. While living in Mattapoisett, working full-time and helping to raise three young children, he completed an MBA at Northeastern University.

After retiring from a 20-year career in engineering at Polaroid, he completed a Master’s degree in Education from Lesley University. For the next ten years, he taught middle school math and science where he delighted in engaging with his students and seeing their joy of learning. He always said it was the hardest job with the greatest reward.

He was an active volunteer throughout his life: town meeting member in Lexington, president of the Silver Beach Improvement Association, treasurer of the Falmouth Democratic Town Committee, secretary of the MIT alumni class of 1956, and volunteer at the Education Center at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. While a member of St. Brigid’s parish, his involvement included being parish council president, serving monthly dinners at Pine Street Inn, and cochairing the committee to establish affordable housing on land donated by the church.

He was a curious, intelligent, life-long learner and had varied interests: photography, travel, playing bridge, keeping up with the latest technologies, telling the best and worst jokes, sailing, and completing the New York Times crossword puzzle daily. He was a devoted Red Sox fan in good times and (mostly) bad.

The large and loving family he and his wife created was his greatest accomplishment and joy. He will be sorely missed by his loving wife of 65 years, Ruth (Cahill) Beckett; his children, Lloyd III (Elaine), Edward (Lisa Phelan), Julia (Arthur DiNinno), and Brenda (Howie Motenko). He was predeceased by daughter, Ruth Ann; granddaughter, Hannah; and great-granddaughter, Vivian. He will be missed by grandchildren, Gerry Beckett (Kate), Lloyd Beckett (Chelsea), Kelly Alexander (Trevor), Edward Beckett (Melissa), Nathaniel Beckett, Ethan, Timothy and Peter DiNinno. Great-grandchildren, Kendell, Carter, Sloane, Logan, August, Tobias,

Beckett, Brynn, Colby and Finnegan will also miss their Papa. His love for his grandchildren shone through as he enjoyed special time with each of them, taking care to identify and foster their interests and talents.

There will be a memorial service at Church of the Messiah, 22 Church St., Woods Hole, MA, on Thursday, May

25, at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Falmouth Service Center, 611 Gifford St, Falmouth, MA 02540, or www. falmouthservicecenter.org