George Frederic Beckwith

Ossipee-George Frederic Beckwith, 94 of Sunset Place, Center Ossipee died July 17, at his home.   Born in Providence, RI Feb. 23, 1925, son of the late Burt William and Mabel Allie (Wells) Beckwith, he grew up in Effingham and has lived most of his life in the area.   George proudly served his country with the United States Army 6th Engineer Special Brigade during WWII , fighting in the invasion of Normandy (Omaha Beach), the Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes) and Northern France. Conducted operations during the Occupation of Japan (Sapporo), serving as an Airborne Infantry Gliderman (“Silent Wings”) with the 11th Airborne Division (Angels), 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment (Rakkasans), as well as during the Korean Conflict. Upon completion of almost 6 loyal years of service to his country, George obtained the rank of Private First Class, while earning the Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal-WW II, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Battle Stars, WW II Victory Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Army Parachutist Badge and Glider Badge.     George worked as a meat cutter for Loblaw Grocery Co. for many years. He was an active member of the American Legion, VFW, “Silent Wings” Glider Organization and served on the Effingham and Tamworth Planning Board, along with being a voter register in Tamworth.   Survived by his wife of 50 years, Ruth I. (Stokes) Beckwith of Ossipee; 2 sons Richard Beckwith of FL, Earl Beckwith of MD; 4 stepsons, Max Boewe of Tamworth, James Boewe of South Tamworth, Ward Boewe of Wonalancet, Christopher Boewe of Madison; 2 daughters, Sylvia Glaze of Clarksville, FL, Stephanie Beckwith of Center Ossipee; 3 step daughters, Theresa Boewe of Tamworth, Cynthia Petrie of Freedom, Angela Brassard of Stark; 2 brothers Richard Beckwith of AZ, Bruce Beckwith of OH, along with 27 grandchildren and 48 great grandchildren whom he dearly loved and cherished.   Burial with military honors will be 2PM Friday August 2nd at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH.   The Baker-Gagne Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Ossipee is assisting the family with the arrangements.   Please share your condolences, messages, stories and sign an online guest book at www.baker-gagnefuneralhomes.com