Obituary of James Peter Beckwith
James Peter Beckwith, 86, of Glastonbury, CT, husband of Lorraine (Smith) Beckwith, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026. He was affectionately known as Jim, Peter, Dad, Grandpa Jim, Grandpa Pete, Daddy’s Daddy, Pop Pop, Uncle Pete and Unkie Jim by those who loved him. He was raised in West Hartford and Manchester by his loving parents James F. and Dorothy (Tomlinson) Beckwith. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1958 and enlisted in the U. S. Navy with his buddies. He was a proud Submariner and served on the U.S.S. Piper #409. He worked many years in the Temperature Control field and ended his career with his own firm, Building Control and Service Company, Inc. on Cape Cod. He designed and installed Temperature Control systems for schools, hospitals, nursing homes and many other commercial facilities. Jim and Lorraine enjoyed living on Cape Cod for 35 years where they entertained family and friends and provided countless memories. Jim enjoyed the beach, boating, and golfing. He was an avid woodworker, making furniture and clocks. Jim and Lorraine also enjoyed being “snowbirds” in Naples, FL for 20 years after retirement where they made many friends and special memories.
Jim is survived by his wife Lorraine, son James L. Beckwith, son Steven C. Beckwith (Claudine), daughter Deborah (Roger) Barrett, sister Susan (William) Johnson, sister in law Patricia Beckwith, sister-in-law and brother-in-law David and Nancy Piella. Grandchildren Erica Beckwith; Josh Beckwith; Roger Barrett III; James M. Beckwith; Michelle (Douglas Barton) Barrett and Great Granddaughter Ellie Mae Barton. Godson and nephew Seth Piella and his sons Travis and Wesley. Nieces and nephews Krista Johnson, Amy Johnson, Timothy Beckwith, Richard Beckwith and Amber Kethley. He is also survived by Dail (Converse) Negro, the mother of his children. He also leaves his special cousins, great nieces and nephews, and many friends.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, brother Timothy S. Beckwith, daughter-in-law Cindy Beckwith and his in-laws George and Anita Smith.
The family would like to thank the entire staff of Buckingham Heights Memory Care for their extraordinary care of our dear Jim Pete. They treated him with compassion, dignity, respect, kindness and love, and made his home there as special as it could be. Also thanks to the wonderful nurses and support staff at Vitas Hospice for their special attention and care.
A Celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. If desired, contributions in his memory can be made to Buckingham Heights, 1824 Manchester Road, Glastonbury, CT 06033, Memo line: Employee Appreciation Fund; Alzheimer’s Association of CT, 10 Executive Drive, Suite 202, Farmington, CT 06032 or a charity of one’s choosing. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.