Donald Hovey Beck

Beloved Husband, Father & Grandfather, Former Jerseyan Donald Hovey Beck, 95, passed away peacefully on Dec. 17, 2025, in Bridgewater, NJ, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Rahway, NJ, on June 8, 1930, to the late Joseph and Alfreda Hovey Beck. He grew up and lived in New Jersey for many years, then lived in Massachusetts briefly before moving to Dunnellon, Florida, where he resided for 33 years, eventually snowbirding to Otter Springs Community, Tafton Pensilvania each summer starting after his first grandchild was born. For the past two and a half years, he has resided in Bridgewater, NJ. Donald is predeceased by his truest love of nearly 70 years, Audrey Elizabeth Beck, & their son Joseph (Max) Maxfield Beck, as well as his sister, Dorothy, and his brother, Theodore. He is survived by his daughter, Donna Hovey Reagan; son-in-law, Douglas Allen Reagan; daughter-in-law, Tamara Lynn Beck ( husband Chris Thompson), Grandchildren: Katherine Jillian Renee Reagan, John Allen Reagan, Alder Elizabeth Beck, and Theodore (Griffin) Beck; sister Carolyn Merritt Christoffers; and nieces Diane Zarkin, Marilyn Scott, and Laura Christoffers Quinn.

Donald served in the Army Reserves and worked as an environmental engineer for Standard Oil of California (Chevron)for many years out of Perth Amboy, NJ. Followed by 6 years with Cumberland Farms in Massachusetts. While in Florida, Donald was very involved with the Elks, serving as a chaplain, and with the Community Congregational Church in Citrus Springs, FL. He was also deeply engaged in the cleanup and preservation efforts at Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, FL, which he took great pride in. While in Pennsylvania, Donald was very active on the board in the Otter Springs Community in which he resided. Some of Donald’s hobbies included his love of World War II history and creating models. He also loved fishing, golf, art, and was a very avid reader, keeping lists of everything he had read to date.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 4-6 pm, followed by a memorial service at 6 pm, at Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home, 26 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ. Interment will be private. 

In place of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Donald’s name to the Florida State Parks Foundation ( Memorial Gift Donation Link ).

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