Francis Joseph Beique

Mr. Beique was born on June 14, 1928, in Grafton, Massachusetts.  He is preceded in death by his life’s love, Charlotte Clifford Beique, his daughter Michelle Paula Beique, His granddaughter Nancy Agapito Beique, His brothers Ernest J Beique Jr, and Richard “Louie” Beique.  His sisters Antionette R. Auger and Lillian J Aspinall, and his parents Ernest J Beique Sr and Rosina Pelletier Beique of Grafton MA.

Francis’ parents immigrated from Canada. Francis held over 27 jobs in his lifetime; his first as a bobbin-boy at a textile mill at the age of 14. He enjoyed the fast pace and discovered his keen sense of mechanical skills. Francis joined the US Army in 1945 and attended military training in Georgia. WW2 ended prior to Francis being “shipped-out” and Francis received an Honorable Discharge and returned home. He worked as a machinist for Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford when he married his bride, Charlotte, and together they started their family.

Throughout his life, Francis took great pride in making sure that his eight children were taken care of and was a steady and good provider for his household. Francis enjoyed a career with the railroad, working for both Conrail, and Amtrak. By day, he was a drawbridge mechanic, and at night he was the evening sous chef at the Lighthouse Inn in New London CT.  He worked this schedule for twelve years. Francis retired from the railroad after 27 years as the senior supervisor of maintenance and repairs for ten drawbridges in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Of all his jobs, Francis claimed his time at the Lighthouse Inn was his favorite.  

After retiring, Francis and Charlotte travelled and finally made Milton Fl their home. Francis and Charlotte enjoyed 64 loving years together. While on vacation this past September, Francis returned to the Lighthouse Inn and received a wonderful welcome and a special tour of the Inn and its kitchen. Francis enjoyed this special moment.

Survivors include his children, Christine Kathryn Cartes (Fred) of Milton FL, Francis “Frank” Beique (Edna) of Ocean Springs MS, Sharon Hinkle (David) of Milton FL, Karen Beique Robb of Versailles CT, Kelly F Beique of Versailles CT, Monique S Beique of Odenton MD, and Michael P Beique (Emma) of Riverview FL.  His Grandchildren Troy Cartes (Deb), Jacob “Jake” Cartes (Marie), Paula Robb, Tommy Cartes (Holly), Ryan Agapito, David Beique (Nora), John (Ariel), Michelle Hanson (Chad), Tina, Susanna Beique, Thomas Lucas Jr, Kyle Collins (Dana), Christopher Hinkle, and Heather Hinkle.  His Great Grandchildren Britton Robbins, Gabrielle Robb, Analise Cartes, Arielle Robb, Malea Robb, Tanner Coates, Amaya Robb, Alexia Robb, Alexander Beique, Cooper Cartes, Arista Beique, Madison, Lillia Cartes, Mason, Xander Robb, Grayson Cartes, Cora Cartes, Harper Cartes, Ivan Robb, and Apollo Beique.

A funeral home service for Francis and his wife Charlotte will be held Friday, December 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich, CT. Following the funeral home service will be a burial at 11:00 AM at Maplewood Cemetery, 184 Salem Trpk., Norwich, CT.