DENNIS KEITH BECKETT – Obituary
Dennis Keith Beckett, 72, of Franklin Township, NJ, on September 7, 2025, after a long struggle with his health. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 39 years, Bernadette (née Dougherty) Beckett, whom he married on May 23, 1987. He was the proud father of three children: Craig Dennis Beckett (Katie) of Trinity, FL, and their children, Chase and Kendall Beckett; Denise Elizabeth Beckett of Franklin Township, NJ; and Drew Emmett Beckett (Kelly) of Clayton, NJ.
Dennis was preceded in death by his three siblings: Phillip Beckett, Brian Beckett, and Judy Sellars. He shared close family ties with his sisters-in-law, Chris Beckett and Colleen Beckett, and held a special place in the lives of his nephews, Phillip and Ryan Beckett. He was the cherished son of the late Charles Francis and Joyce (née Mace) Beckett.
Born on February 19, 1953, in Woodbury, NJ, Dennis was raised in Glassboro. He was a proud graduate of Glassboro High School, Class of 1971. For the past 38 years, he had been a resident of Franklin Township, where he built a life grounded in hard work, loyalty, and love for family.
Dennis’s working life began early as a paperboy, and by age 10 he was helping his uncle, Alfred Beckett, at the Broadway Theatre in Pitman. He started by sweeping the floors after shows and later worked the concessions. After high school, he became a self-employed contractor, installing roofing, siding, windows, and doors for 15 years. He later joined the International Union of Elevator Constructors, where he remained a proud member for 40 years. His career took him to major projects from Washington, D.C., to Boston, and as far west as Buffalo and Pittsburgh. Among his most cherished professional accomplishments was working on the elevators in the Statue of Liberty during its restoration project for the 100th anniversary in 1986.
A man of deep family values, Dennis was especially devoted to his parents. He frequently traveled to Florida to care for them during his father’s illness—often making the trip simply to mow the lawn. After his father’s passing, he brought his mother back to New Jersey, arranged for her care at the Pitman Manor, and remained a constant presence in her life—visiting every Tuesday and Thursday and bringing her to his home for Sunday dinners.
Dennis was a man of many interests. He was an avid reader of murder mysteries and a lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. In his younger years, he pursued his love of flying as an amateur pilot, sharing a small plane with his father and uncle. He also held fond memories of his childhood spent with his maternal grandparents, Arthur and Edith Mace, whose traditional English home shaped much of his early life and character.
Services are private at the convenience of the family under the direction of the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME of Clayton. Sign the guestbook at BarclayFuneralHome.net.