Oliver P. Beckwith, beloved patriarch of four generations of Beckwiths, and self-proclaimed “Dear Old Dad,” has died in Marshfield at the age of 96. Surrounded by his family, he passed blissfully; literally in the embrace of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. A man renowned for his generous spirit, perfect manners, and his mastery of the art of conversation, Mr. Beckwith was loved by everyone who ever got to know him.
Oliver grew up in Yonkers, NY and attended New York University, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1941 he married Marinette Ryan, and together they raised their four children. Relocating to the Boston area to work for the William Carter Company, he moved the family into their home of 48 years at 968 Ferry Street in Marshfield. He considered his family to be his greatest achievement; he leaves behind his four children: Stephen, of Providence, RI: John and his wife Marion, of Marshfield: Marianne, of Scotts Valley, CA; and Paul, of San Francisco, CA, He had five grandchildren: Bryan and his wife Leslie; Sarah and her husband Jeff Dunn; Oliver Gomes; Olivia, and Henry; as well as four great grandchildren; Madeline, John, Ainsley, and Phoebe.
In his early life, Mr. Beckwith was an equestrian, avid swimmer, and photographer. With little prompting, and sometimes none at all, he would launch into full length recitations of Shakespeare and other works of poetry, heedless of the interest level of the listeners. He loved the North and South Rivers, enjoyed fishing and clamming. He even seeded his own clam bed in the marsh behind his Ferry St. home. He was the doting and loving husband of Marinette for 66 years, and every day for both of them was productive, and ended with a martini, stimulating dinner conversation, and a book. He will be sadly missed. Services will be held on Thursday, January 28th, at 10:00 at the North Community Church in Marshfield Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.