Joseph T. Beck 1963 – 2021 Joseph T. Beck, age 58 of Bethpage, NY, passed away unexpectedly on December 28, 2021. A beloved English teacher at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School (POBJFK) for over 20 years, Joe was in his element in the classroom with students. Besides teaching most courses offered in the English Department, Joe was the editor for the Yearbook, the Fall Drama Director, co-advisor to the school newspaper and loved by his students, their parents, his colleagues and friends. Joe’s passion for teaching, literature and the power of words went well beyond the classroom. A well-respected author and playwright, Joe was happiest when he was telling a story. And he told many. Joe authored, co-authored and collaborated on several books and wrote hundreds of articles on diverse topics. He wrote and produced plays off-Broadway using his pen to influence others, make them laugh, make them cry and captivate their hearts. Words cannot begin to describe his passion for storytelling. The only thing he loved more than a good story was his wife, children and family.

Joe was born on December 27, 1963 in Pensacola, FL. He moved constantly as a military dependent until his parents moved to Long Island in the late 70’s. Joe was a graduate of Harborfields High School in Greenlawn, NY. He earned is BA from SUNY Oneonta and MS degree from CUNY Queens College. His was a long-time resident of Bethpage, NY. Joe is survived by his wife Gail (Domroe) Beck for 34 years and his adored sons, Andrew Beck of Bethpage, NY, and Ian Beck of Brooklyn, NY. Joe is also survived by his father, Victor Beck and his wife Theresa of Kings Park, NY, his sister Judi (Beck) Kelly and her husband John of Windham, NH, his brother Vic Beck and wife Debby (Silverberg) Beck of Sudbury, MA, his brother Jim Beck and his wife Karen (Seho) Beck of Huntington Station, NY, and his sister Jane (Beck) Griffin of Portsmouth, VA. Joe’s nieces and nephews Adam, Alex, Bryan, Josh, Lindsay, Michelle, Olivia, Rachel, Sabrina and Sean were often his favorite audience for his stories, jokes and puns. He is predeceased by his mother Ella (Norton) Beck and his brother Edward V. Beck. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Joe to the Huntington Arts Council, 213 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743 www.huntingtonarts.org/donate-now. For condolences, please visit www.chapeyfamily.com.

Huntington Arts Council 213 Main Street Huntington, NY 11743 Please click on side link to make donations.