Benjamin C Beal

Benjamin C. Beal, Jr., 81, of Lower Burrell, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, after an extended illness.  “Skip,” who never wanted to miss out on a moment of time with his family or getting to see the next big game, fought bravely and tenaciously to the end.  Ben was born in Aspinwall, on September 15, 1937 and was the son of the late Benjamin Beal, Sr., and Mary Grace (Roll) Beal.  He graduated from Gettysburg College and had a long career as a newspaper reporter, editor, and columnist.  For many years, he was known as “The Stroller,” for his daily column in the Valley News Dispatch.  He retired from the Tribune Review after 49 years.  Ben is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy (Solomon) Beal, and his daughter Beth Ann, both at home.  He is also survived by his sons Benjamin III (Lana) of Sewickley, and David (Corri) of New Castle, and seven grandchildren: Benjamin IV, Brian, Bailey, Brooklyn, Brienna, Grace, and Eliza; and three sisters, Gretchen Busse, of Colorado, Mary Ann Malley, of Florida, and Lynn Beal, of Maine.  He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Lucy Beal.  Ben was a reporter at heart.  He was an observer of people and loved to know all the details of a situation.  He would never hesitate to ask questions! He was also a voracious consumer of current events, reading several newspapers a day and always knowing more information about the latest in politics, sports, and local news than anyone else, but always asking for the opinion of the person with whom he was speaking.  Most of all, Ben was a family man who adored each and every member of his family.  He supported his wife, his children and later his grandchildren in their every endeavor.  His unconditional love will be missed.  Family and Friends are invited to a Memorial Mass which will be held at Saint Margaret Mary’s Church in Lower Burrell on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 10 a.m., Everyone please meet at the church.  Everyone is invited to a luncheon immediately following the funeral service at the VFW Post 92, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road, Lower Burrell PA 15068.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Frank F. Gigler Funeral Home, Inc, Robert P. Karish, Supervisor, 2877 Leechburg Road, Lower Burrell, PA 15068. Memorial contributions may be made to Layups for Lucy-Community Foundation, 7 West State Street, Suite 301, Sharon, PA 16146 and will benefit Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.  www.giglerfuneralhome.com

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