Richard C. Beck

RICHARD C. BECK, 89 of Spring Township passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024. He was the husband of Betty Ann (Migalic) Beck, to whom he was married for 63 years. They were married on October 29, 1960 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, North Park, Allegheny County, PA.

He is a graduate of Reading Senior High School class of 1953 and Alvernia College class of 1976. He graduated on the Dean’s List with a degree of Criminal Justice Administration. Upon graduating from high school, he was employed for two years at the Reading Tube Co. Being a member of the U.S. Navy Reserves, he enlisted for a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CVA-59) obtaining the rank of Radioman Second Class Petty Officer. He served as a member of the original Crew also known as a Plank Owner. In January 1956 the ship journeyed on a 10-week Shakedown cruise to Guantanamo Bay. While there the crew had liberty at Cuba and the Dominican Republic before returning to Norfolk, VA. He was deployed on a 6-month cruise to the Mediterranean Sea visiting numerous ports, but not limited to Lisbon, Portugal, Cannes, France along the French Riviera, Monaco, Athens, Greece, Istanbul, Turkey, Beirut, and Lebanon. Upon completing his navy tour of duty, he returned to work at the Reading Tube Co.

In October 1958, he completed the qualifications process and was appointed a cadet at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. Upon graduation from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy’s 6-month training, he was promoted to Trooper. Trooper Beck served at the Gibsonia and Newville Barracks. It was while he was stationed at Gibsonia that he met the love of his life, Betty Ann Migalic. After serving on tour with the PA State Police, he tested and was hired by the City of Reading Police Department and eventually retired with over 30 years of service. He served as a Foot Patrolman, Patrol Officer, Motorcycle Patrol Officer, Accident Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigator, Sergeant in charge of the Crime Analysis Unit, Patrol Sergeant, Desk Sergeant and later Patrol Shift Lieutenant. He served eleven years as a Detective in the Criminal Investigations Unit, investigating and prosecuting major crimes. Richard then served an additional 17 years as a District Justice and Senior Judge.

His most memorable years were the times camping with his wife and family. They started camping at the many state parks. They then spent long vacations camping at Cherrystone Campground along the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. As their children got older, he and his wife started camping at Leisure Point and Tuckahoe Campground located on the Indian River Bay in Delaware. They spent many hours boating, fishing, crabbing, and clamming. They also enjoyed visiting the many shore points in Delaware and Maryland.

He is survived by the following children: David R. Beck, husband of Charmaine (Dunmoyer) Beck of Spring Twp., Karen L. (Beck) Gassert, wife of Donald M. Gassert of Muhlenberg Twp., Kathy J. (Beck) Krajewski, wife of Chester E. Krajewski, Jr. of Spring Twp., and Lori L. (Beck) Biese of Spring Twp. He is also survived by 1 grandchild, 6 step grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and 6 step great grandchildren.

Richard is proceeded in death by: sister, Gladys M. Tavenner and husband Jesse J. Tavenner, brother Herman R. Beck and wife Jacqueline R. (McDonough) Beck, sister, Nancy L. Helbert and husband Howard J. Helbert, Sr., He is also survived by brother Charles H. Beck Jr. and wife, Georgeina (Peacher) Beck.

Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory, 3825 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com