STEVEN J. BECK JR

WEST MIDDLESEX, PA. – Steven J. Beck Jr., 62, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, at his home.

He was born Oct. 3, 1952, in Youngstown, a son of Steven J. and Pauline E. Tomko Beck Sr. and was a lifelong West Middlesex resident, living on the family farm.

Mr. Beck was a member of St. James the Apostle Church, a graduate of Wilmington High School and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Youngstown State University. He was a Junior High and High School Art teacher for the Youngstown City School District for 25 years, retiring in 2009.

He was a member of the Fracking Truth Alliance in Mercer and Lawrence County and Frack Free Mahoning County. Steve was also a member of the Sierra Club and the coalition of Peace and Justice. He enjoyed gardening and farming. Steve firmly believed every student could draw and he could use art to teach empathy. He was also known for his amazing story-telling ability.

He leaves a brother, William M. (Beverly) Beck of West Middlesex; two sisters, Pauline E. Beck of West Middlesex and Helen A. (John) Erickson of Bluffton, S.C.; three nieces; three nephews; three great-nieces; and four great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Kelley-Robb-Cummins Funeral Home and also one half-hour prior to the funeral services on Friday, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at St. James the Apostle Church.

Funeral services will be held Friday at St. James the Apostle Church at 10:30 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Interment will be at St. John Cemetery in Lowellville.

Visit www.krcummins.com to view this obituary and to send condolences to the family.