Lester Franklin “Frank” Beers, Jr.
August 5, 1936 - August 16, 2021
Lester Franklin Beers, Jr., known to family and friends as “Frank”, age 85, of Newark, DE, passed away on Monday, August 16, 2021 surrounded by his loving wife of 60 years, Peggy, and children, Susan and Steven.
Born in Danbury, CT on August 5, 1936, he was a son of the late Lester F. and Elizabeth (Gates) Beers, Sr.
Frank was a longtime resident of Newark, moving here at the age of 5 from Danbury, CT. He graduated Newark High in 1954. Frank served 8 years in the U.S. Army Reserves. His greatest service to the Newark community was his 63 years of membership with Aetna Hose, Hook, & Ladder Company. During his time with the fire department, Frank rose to be Chief of the Department and served as President of the fire company. He served 2 terms on the Board of Directors. Frank spent many years as the driving instructor for the fire department teaching firefighters on how to drive and operate the pumper trucks and ladder truck. Frank was part of the committee that brought the first ladder truck to Newark in 1971.
In his professional life Frank was licensed as a Professional Land Surveyor. Many of today’s developments and roadways in New Castle County and surrounding areas were laid out under Frank’s supervision. He enjoyed boating and fishing in his spare time. Frank was a fan of country music and old western movies.
In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his brother, Richard; and infant sister, Susan. He is survived by his wife, Peggy (Alley) Beers; children, Susan Beers-Augusiewicz (Steven) and Steven (Chandra) Beers; brother, Donald (Louanne); grandchildren, Nicole Gawczynski (Steven), Morgan Garmon (Josh), Matthew, Ashton, Seth, Shannon, Charris, and Sydney; and 7 great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Bryson, Ethan, Manny, Alexis, Caleb, and Makenna.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Monday, August 23, 2021 at Aetna Hose, Hook, & Ladder Company Station #8, 410 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE. A second visitation will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at the fire house, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance not immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine per the Governor of Delaware. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s memory to the Aetna Hose, Hook, & Ladder Company, P.O. Box 148, Newark, DE 19715 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
Richard Burris
Sorry for your loss, my condolences to family and friends
Debbie Weeks
I didn’t have the honor of meeting Frank, but I can see what a great man he was by knowing his son, Steve. May God comfort your family
Beth Smick
Aunt Peg I’m so sorry to here about Frank’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Schirm
Dear Peggy and family—-deepest sympathy to you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy and Krista Schirm
Lane Hash
Peggy, we are very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the happy memories you and Frank built together over 60 years.
Lane Hash
Moneta, VA
Deborah Myslewicz Siefer
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was a great man and accomplished many things that make me very proud. One thing for sure that I have always remembered till this day is never say, “Please tell Sue that I or Me called”. Love you all.
Karen A Bukowski
Aunt Peggy, Susan, Steve and families, we were so sad to hear of Uncle Frank’s passing…he will always be in our hearts and memories as a very good ornery friend. We love and miss you all. Sorry we can’t be there but you will be in our hearts and prayers.
Love Karen Bukowski, Amanda, Sean and Brayden Smith
Sam & Kathy Eaton
Peggy, Susan and Steven,
Kathy and I are heartbroken to hear of the loss of Frank. I, in particular, will miss the “big old so and so” because of the friendship we shared and all the time we spent together teaching pump school and driver training. I’m proud to say he was my friend and brother firefighter.
Barry Philipson
So sorry for your loss. He was a good man!
Vickie Rasnic
Aunt Peggy, Susan, and Steven
I’m so very sorry. I loved Uncle Frank so much. I have many fond memories and most with his broad smile and silly laugh. This video is absolutely beautiful and touching. I pray you all find comfort in your memories of the man that was bigger than life.
Anita Larry Cutonilli
Dear Aunt Peggy and family, I stand with so many others who will miss him. His service to our community, love of his family, and the grace with which he lived his life sets an example for us all. He was one of a kind and I’m so proud to call him my Uncle Frank! May you find peace in the many memories of your life together in the coming days and years ahead. He forever remains in my heart. Love and blessings,
Anita & Robert
Cynthia morse
Peggy, Steven, Susan sorry to hear about Frank(Mr beers) . He’s in a better place now. Won’t be the same around the beach house. He will be missed.
Jim Copolo
Dear Peggy and Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of our beloved Frank. He is driving his big dodge around on those streets of gold. We always enjoyed all your wonderful visits to WV.. Frank always had a smile oh his face being chauffer for Pegs sisters. Hahahah.
May He Rest in Peace,
Love and Blessings,
Jim Copolo
Maybeury, West Virginia
Randy Roberts
Sincere condolences to Peggy, Susan and Steven. Frank was a great, great man and will truly be missed by the Delaware Fire Service family.
john parkinson
So sorry for the loss of your husband and father, Fred. l worked with Frank at Richardsons Assoc. and Landmark Engineering. He was a very wonderful person to know and I enjoyed his company. You have my condolences and prayers.
Cherie A Loomis
Gonna miss ya, Thanks for all that you did for me and my sister! We are so grateful for the time you spent with us!!!!
Love ya to pieces! Cherie and Dee Dee
Jeff Schwagel
Frank was a great man and an asset to his Community as well as the volunteer fire service. Frank taught me and countless others how to drive and operate the BRT’s. This was definitely something because the course required a lot of time and organization for someone to commit to volunteering for, for so many years. While I don’t know Frank’s family, I want you to know that I am heart broken as well with the news of his passing.
Joe Papariello
Thank you for your service and mentorship. May you RIP Chief.
Donald C Dutton
I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. My father was honored by Aetna and I wish that I could be in Delaware right now to honor your father. I will donate in his memory.
Ric & Debbie Smith
Dear Peg, Susan, Steven, Nicole, Morgan, Alyssa, Bryson & Ethan
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Frank was a very kind and gentle giant of a man. We are very grateful to have known him. Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
Diane Crain Austin
Mrs. Beers, Susan and Steven, My condolences on your loss. I remember Mr. Beers as a quiet and kind man. Keeping you all in my prayers.
William Hustead
RIP Brother I was nice sere with you as a fire fighter
Nancy Miller
Peg,
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man and an even greater Poppop.
Love you.
Judy Jennings
Peg, Steve, Sue and families
Sorry for your loss. Every time I think of Frank I will remember his smile and the twinkle in his eyes. May he rest in peace.
You and your family are in my thoughts.
LINDA BRADY
Dear peg and family, my heart goes out to all of you . I will remember you in my prayers, and may God give you strength at this hurtful time.
Diane Silverman
Al and I will miss you Frank.You were a good friend and loyal Aetna member. Anyone who had you as their driving instructor may remember how important golf balls were to the success of the course. Peggy and family,our condolences to you all. Love and hugs,Al and Diane
Eleanor(Ellie)Bentz
Sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.