Obituary of Henry R. Beyer

Hank died peacefully on June 26, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was 85. Hank was predeceased by his loving wife Mary Jane (nee Tokinson), sister Marie Hansen, brothers Joseph (Jean) and Charles (Mary), and sister-in-law Lillian. He is survived by his dear brother John and beloved children Carol (Ed) Szkudlapski, Bob (Karen) Beyer, John (Cindy) Beyer, Chris (Heather) Beyer, Mary Kay (Norm) Graziani, Kathy (Dana) Rapp, Jean (Jeff) Kerneen, twenty two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Hank was born in Philadelphia where he went on to graduate from La Salle College with a Bachelor’s degree. He later completed his Master’s degree in Pastoral Counselling. Hank met Mary Jane on a blind date which led to a beautiful marriage lasting 58 years. In 1959, Hank moved from South Philadelphia to Chalfont, raising his family in Bucks County. While living in Chalfont, Hank was an active member of St. Jude Parish for over 40 years. He worked as an engineer at the Naval Air Development Center in Warminster, PA until he retired after 35 years. Thanks to his background in engineering, Hank was a very skilled craftsman and an especially gifted woodworker. Throughout his entire life, he created many artfully crafted items that he often gifted to friends and family. Hank’s quick wit and great sense of humor were a source of immense joy for everyone in his life. His zest for life was incomparable: for his 70th birthday, Hank and Mary Jane travelled to Australia and New Zealand where he did a bungee-jump simply because he could. Hank was an old soul with a depth to his spirit that resounded with everyone he met. He was brilliant, yet humble – charismatic, yet down-to-earth. The love he held for his family was boundless; it was felt in everything he did. His family adored him. He will be greatly missed.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit between 9:15-10:15 am on July 25 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342. There will be a funeral mass at 10:30 am with an interment to follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Hank’s memory to Canine Companions, Doctors Without Borders, or the Maris Grove Resident Fund.