Obituaries

Richard "Rich" Joseph Beale

November 23, 1936 - January 18, 2025

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Obituary For Richard "Rich" Joseph Beale

Richard “Rich” Joseph Beale, age 88, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Agrace HospiceCare, Fitchburg, WI. He was born on November 23, 1936, to Marlin and Fern (Ward) Beale in Madison. Rich married Elizabeth “Betty” Poppa on September 26, 1959, at St. James Catholic Church in Madison, WI.

Rich proudly served two years for the United State Army and was stationed in Japan. He worked for the University of Wisconsin Police Department as a Police Officer for over 26 years. Then went onto work at Madison Area Technical School in the Police Science Program for over 20 years.

Spending time with his family was very important to Rich. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, and he loved dancing, even winning a Gitter Bug contest one time.

Rich is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty; children, William Beale, Robert (Laura) Beale, Barbara (Leslie) Lessmiller, Bobette Weiss; 20 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; close friends, Todd Allen, Kim Cavolt-Zinkel; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; children, Elizabeth(Vaughn) Haley, Brian Beale; sibling, Yvonne “Bonnie” and very close cousin, who he considered a brother, Donald Beale.

The family would like to thank Agrace, and St Mary’s Hospital 8W for the wonderful care. We would also like to mention that because of his wife, and daughter Bobette, and their wonderful loving care, he was able to remain at home until the very end.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison, WI. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. Burial and Military Honors will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. A Celebration of Rich’s Life will also be held after the burial. More details will be given at the visitation or feel free to contact the family.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

Services

23 Jan

Visitation

09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Ryan Funeral Homes - Madison North East 2418 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
23 Jan

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

Ryan Funeral Homes - Madison North East 2418 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • January 21, 2025

    Jenna Geiser

    Dearest Betty, we so loved Rich and loved having you to sit with our family in church. We will treasure that friendship forever. Love to you and the family. Marty and Jenna Geiser family

  • January 21, 2025

    Badger Honor Flight

    On behalf of the Badger Honor Flight Board and all our volunteers, we extend our deepest condolences to you all, the family of Richard Beale. We are forever grateful for his service to our great country. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • January 21, 2025

    Barbara ‘Boots’ McWilliams

    Dear Sweet Betty ~ thank you for bringing your wonderful Guy into our Family, the two of you brought so much love and joy into all our lives❤️

  • January 21, 2025

    Ken Couture

    RIP Rich. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to all family and friends.

  • January 21, 2025

    Carherine Harrison

    Uncle Rich was a wonderful man. I was extremely lucky to grow up with him my entire life. Many wonderful memeries. Thank you for alway's being there for me. I will never forget your whistle when we were kid's. Rest in peace you have earned your angel wings. Love you more then you ever knew. I'm proud to be your niece. Love Cathy. Tell dad I love and miss him.

  • January 21, 2025

    Rhonda Chase

    Richie was such a sweet man. He always had a big hug for me whenever i saw him. I will miss him. Love you Richie, Rhonda xoxoxoxoxo

  • January 21, 2025

    Lee Lessmiller

    Thoughts and prayers are with your family always during this difficult time.. May God shine down on you ...

  • January 20, 2025

    Dale Burke

    It is with profound sadness that I acknowledge the passing of one of the nicest human beings I've ever known. He was a mentor and a role model. While he was my direct supervisor for a time he was always my friend and a supporter for the 40+ years I knew him. A gentleman with a great sense of humor who always put family first. To Betty and the kids, you have my deepest sympathy.

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