GRANVILLE: Edwin A. Beckwith rejoined his loving wife Toni of 71 years, passing away peacefully in his sleep on September 12, 2021, at 93 years old. Ed lived a full life and will be missed by many. He had many accomplishments in his lifetime but was a humble optimist. Pages could be written about his accomplishments. He was born June 1, 1928 the son of Stanley Beckwith and Maude (Holcomb) Beckwith. He worked on the Beckwith farm milking cows; tending to the apple orchard at the age of 16. He was also a partner with his father in S.E. Beckwith Livestock and Son in Granville, MA. Throughout the years they were involved in shipping livestock from New England and Canada to several midwestern and southern states. As the farming industry in New England began to diminish, Ed had to switch economic gears. In the late 70’s he founded Beckwith Dressed Meats by selling whole pigs and pork sides to various Hispanic markets in the Hartford and Springfield areas with his son Robert. He Incorporated in 1980 forming Hilltown Pork Inc. His other two sons, Edwin S. and Richard, joined the business. From it’s merger beginnings, Hilltown Pork Inc. grew to a multi-million dollar business serving a multi-state region. Hilltown Pork Inc. is literally a family business. At different times all of his children, some of his daughter-in-laws and 1 granddaughter-in-law, grandchildren, and some of his great-grandchildren have worked for the business he started. In addition to his business Ed had many extracurricular activities in his lifetime. He was on the Granville Recreation Committee, coached Little League Baseball, Board of Corporators Westfield Bank, Board of Health, Chief of Police, and serving on The Board of Selectman in Granville for over 20 years. He always found time to play in the Granville setback team competing in with other setback leagues in the surrounding hilltowns. He received much enjoyment in supporting the 4-H Beef sale at The Eastern States Exposition by purchasing the Grand or Reserve Champion for over 10 years.
As he joined his loving wife Toni, he leaves behind 1 sister Dorothy (Beckwith) Acus of Southampton, MA and was predeceased by his sister Carolyn (Beckwith) Oliveries of Puerto Rico. Three sons Edwin S. (Cheryl) Granville, MA, Richard (Paula) Stephentown, NY, Robert of Granville, MA and a very special daughter Mary Ellen Beckwith of Granville, MA, who was a tireless caregiver for our mom and dad and who faithfully fulfilled mom’s last wish of taking care of dad after she passed. They don’t come any better than our sister Mary. There is also 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who will miss him immensely.
Visiting hours will be Friday, September 24th from 5 to 8 PM at The Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. A Mass will be held on September 25th at 11 AM at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 224 Sheep Pasture Road, Southwick, MA. A celebration of Life for Ed and Toni will be held at The Lake George Sportsman’s Club, 427 North Loomis Street, Southwick, MA. Following the church service an internment ceremony will be at The Silver Street Cemetery in Granville for the immediate family lead by a police escort.
The family has struggled where donations should be made in lieu of flowers. Ed and Toni lived exemplary lives always giving back to the community where they lived. We have decided that donations in lieu of flowers should be made to Edwin and Antonia Beckwith Memorial Fund, c/o Mary Ellen Beckwith, at 243 Sodom Street, Granville, MA. 01034, whom will oversee disbursement to various organizations and churches. Firtionadams.com
