MELVILLE J. BECKEL, 92, of Lake Worth, FL, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 17, 2022. He is survived by his children Stephen, Valerie, Gregory and Gary, and their spouses Stewart and Ann, also his grandchildren Leah, Kasidy, and Haley. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Joan.

Melville was born on March 13, 1930 to Louis and Mildred Beckel in Bronx, NY.  Mel attended PS 87 Elementary, Mount St. Michael's High School and received his BA from Iona College as well as his Master's degree from SUNY Oneonta, NY.  He married Joan Caroline Kiefer on November 25,1952 and settled in Bayport Long Island where he raised his four children. Mel and Joan retired to Lake Worth, FL 26 years ago and were married 65 years.

Melville became an 11th grade Social Studies and 12th grade Economics teacher a Bayshore High School, Long Island. He coached Varsity Basketball for Bayshore, taught tennis at LaSalle Academy and created a camp program for Saltaire, Fire Island that still remains 40 years later. Melville was an avid reader, had a passion for American history and was a proud American who supported our veterans as Mel served as a medic in the Army. He loved to play tennis and golf.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 13, 2023, 1:00 PM at Palm Beach National Chapel

10055 Heritage Farms Road
Lake Worth, FL 33449
561-967-1200