Carl H. Beckman

Carl H. Beckman, most recently of Wakefield, R.I, formerly of Kingston and Jamestown, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2015. Born in Cranston, R.I. he was the son of the late Gustav and Anna (Nilsson) Beckman and brother to surviving sister, Anna Lisa Madeira of Connecticut. Two brothers and a sister predeceased him. Carl graduated from the University of Rhode Island after serving in the Army during World War II. He received a Doctorate in Plant Pathology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He began his career as a professor and researcher at URI, worked for the United Fruit Company (now Chiquita Brands International), and returned to URI to help raise his family. Carl said “my greatest accomplishment and reward was raising my four daughters,” Lorraine Anthony of Malta, NY; Judi (Richard) Friedson of Lexington, MA; Hali Beckman of Jamestown, RI and Tia Beckman of Wakefield, RI. He is also survived by three granddaughters, Tracey Anthony, Jennie and Katelyn Friedson, and two grandsons, Alex Butler and Andrew Lottridge. Carl was also much loved by his nieces and nephews. Carl’s love of life and people were exceeded only by his compassion and non-judgmental nature. He loved sailing, tennis, nature, his church, writing and reading. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 6, 2015 at the Kingston Congregational Church, 2610 Kingstown Road, Kingston, RI, 02881. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carl H. Beckman Scholarship Fund, c/o URI Foundation, 79 Upper College Road, Kingston, RI 02881.