Joseph F. Beaudette, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran and man of unwavering Catholic faith, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, just three months shy of his 100th birthday. He was 99 years old.

Born October 6, 1926, in Astoria, Queens, New York, Joseph was the son of Aldrige ("Al") and Margaret Beaudette. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Margaret "Peggy" Beaudette (nee Moynihan), and his son Edward ("Eddy") Beaudette, his sister Margaret ("Peggy") Beaudette, and his sister Anne McLaughlin. He is survived by his children: Anne (Ed), Elaine (the late Gus), Therese (Frank), Joseph (Theresa), John (Kathleen), and Tim (Rebecca). He was the proud grandfather of seventeen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride.

Joe attended LaSalle Academy in Manhattan before answering his country's call by enlisting in the United States Navy at just 17 years old during World War II. Following boot camp, he was deployed to the Pacific Theater, serving with the Navy's Construction Battalion ("Seabees") and stationed in Guam. For his wartime service, he was awarded the American Theatre Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

After returning home from the war, Joseph attended St. John's University under the GI Bill, earning a degree in Business Administration. He later married the love of his life, Peggy Moynihan, originally from Shrone, County Kerry, Ireland. Together they built a wonderful life and raised seven children in Manhasset, New York, creating a home filled with faith, laughter, discipline, and unconditional love.

Joe enjoyed a distinguished career in finance and accounting. He worked with companies including The Bud Company and Sylvania Electronics before rising to become Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of American Avitron, a division of Lear Siegler serving the commercial aerospace industry. He was also an Enrolled Agent, licensed to practice before the Internal Revenue Service, a reflection of both his professional expertise and integrity.

Outside of work, Joe was a lifelong sports enthusiast whose memories stretched across nearly a century of New York sports history. A devoted Brooklyn Dodgers fan before becoming an equally loyal New York Mets supporter, he treasured seeing Babe Ruth play as a young boy, witnessing Willie Mays collect his first major league hit at the Polo Grounds in 1951, and watching Mays hit his final home run as a member of the Mets in 1973. He was also a dedicated New York Jets fan who rarely missed following his favorite teams.

Even in his final years, Joe remained engaged with the world around him. He delighted in watching Villanova-connected New York Nicks capture an NBA championship and took particular joy seeing Villanova alumnus Pope Leo elected to the lead the Catholic Church, events that brought him genuine happiness.

While Joe's accomplishments were many, those who knew him best will remember him most for his deep and enduring Catholic faith. For decades he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. In recent years, he devoted much of his time to writing personal biographical and inspirational letters to family and friends. In those writings, he reflected on the blessings of life, the importance and power of prayer, and what he often described as the two greatest gifts God has given us on earth: the Holy Mass and the privilege of receiving the Eucharist, the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

His optimism never faded. He believed deeply in the future of his family, his friends, his country, and the world. He encouraged those around him to trust in God's providence, to remain grateful, and to live lives of faith and service. His steady voice, gentle encouragement, and spiritual wisdom became a source of strength for generations of family members.

For nearly a century, Joseph F. Beaudette touched countless lives through his kindness, humility, generosity, and unwavering belief in others. Although it is difficult to imagine a world without him after 99 3/4 remarkable years, his example will continue to live on in the family he cherished and in the faith he so faithfully shared.

Joe often promised that he would continue praying for those he loved. As we say goodbye, we ask that you honor his final request:

PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM, AS HE SURELY IS PRAYING FOR ALL OF US.