Dennis Eli Beck, age 85 of New Bedford, passed away on November 4, 2020, at St Luke’s Hospital, surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was the beloved husband for 63 years of Shirley (Doane) Beck.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Eli and Gwendoline (Hartill) Beck and was a graduate of New Bedford High School. Dennis worked along with his father on the New Bedford Waterfront as owners of B & G Fish Company from 1954-1969.
Due to urban development along the waterfront, they closed the business, and Dennis and his wife opened Beck’s Seafood Market and Restaurant in Dartmouth and successfully ran the business until they sold in 1994. In retirement, he worked part-time at Comfort Inn and later at Wilson Funeral home. He served 12 years in the 212th field artillery Battery B of the US National Guard.
He and his family were residents of Bayview in Dartmouth for 32 years and then resided in Tiverton, RI, and wintered in Pompano Beach, FL. He returned to New Bedford in 2017.
An active lifelong member of Grace Episcopal Church, he served as Junior Warden, Vestry member, and active member of the 20/30 club, taking part in rummage sales, minstrel shows, church suppers, and assisted in Martha’s Food Pantry. He is a member of the New Bedford Port Society and, in his youth, belonged to New Bedford Chapter Order of DeMolay.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Dennis E Beck II of New Bedford, his daughter Katherine Lafland and her husband Roger of Southington, CT, his grandchildren Jason and Jordan Lafland and Zackary Beck and a niece Shirley Anderson of N H. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren, Kim, Chris, and Nathan, and many friends.
The family wishes to gratefully thank The Oaks Nursing Home and the staff at St. Luke’s hospital for their wonderful care and compassion.
In place of flowers, remembrances may be made in Dennis’s name to Martha’s Food Pantry of Grace Episcopal Church, 133 School St. New Bedford, MA 02740. Arrangements are with the Wilson Chapel 479 County St. New Bedford.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, his graveside service at Riverside Cemetery is Private. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.