Final Salute

Lewis Bonsall Beatty, Jr., died on August 18, 2021 of renal failure at his home in Media, Pa, surrounded by his loving family. He was 96. Born in Media Hospital on February 4, 1925, he was the second child of Lewis Bonsall Beatty, Sr and Elizabeth Carroll Wesson. He was a 1942 graduate of Swarthmore High School. He obtained a BS in Civil Engineering from Cornell University in 1945, earned the McMullen Scholarship, and entered the Navy V-12 program. After graduating, he served in the US Navy’s Seabees in the Philippines through the end of World War II. He had been slated for the invasion of Japan. He never doubted that the A-bomb and the surrender of Japan saved his life. Under the GI Bill, he attended and graduated from the of University of Pennsylvania School of Law in 1949 being elected class president. Mr. Beatty practiced law in Media, PA for 68 years, retiring from Beatty Lincke law firm in 2017 at age 92. He was president of the Delaware County Bar Association in 1974 and was a 39 year member of the American College of Trust and Estates Counsel. He was president of the Board of Directors of Sunnycrest Farm for orphaned boys for ten years. In the 1950’s he did legal work for the Elwyn Institute, and his payment was a big basket of apples. He recalled, “the worst part about that was that the apples were delivered to the office, and the staff would eat them before I ever got one myself.” In the 1960’s he was school board solicitor for Upper Darby, Glenolden and helped in the merger of Interboro School District. In 1996, he was voted Pro Bono Man of the Year by Delaware County Legal assistance. Lew was Director and past Chairman of the Board of Delaware County Memorial Hospital; later Director and past Chairman of Crozer Keystone Health System. Lewis Beatty was a long-time member, Trustee, Elder and Deacon of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church. He was a 60 year member of Rose Valley Folk, sang as a tenor for 50 years with the Valley Voices and was a 24 year member of Media Rotary. Additionally, he enjoyed a 74-year family membership to Rolling Green Country Club and was a member of the Union League of Philadelphia for 53 years. He strongly felt his lifelong blessings of wife, family and friends whom he loved to invite to their cabin in New Albany, PA where they could relax in the quiet beauty of the Endless Mountains. Lew is survived by his wife Peggy née Rincliffe of 71 years, and their four children; Roy (Nora), Lewis III (Annamaria), Elizabeth Black(Charles, Jr), and David (Ann Letiizi), seven grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Part of the reason for his long life he attributed to his wonderful caregiver, “Jojo”. Family and friends will remember Lew for his love for his wife, family, friends, and his dry wit. Some of his favorite quips were “Everything is coming up roses”, “Write if you get work, and hang by your thumbs”, “you’re too good to be true”, “Shazahaam”, as he pondered tasks on his mind: “thoughts while shaving” or “I’ve been marinating”, ending with “Onward and Upward”. A memorial service with a military tribute salute will be held for Lew on Saturday, August 28th outside under a large tent with ample seating on the grounds behind Middletown Presbyterian Church at 10:30am, 273 S. Old Middletown Rd, Media, PA 19063. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Beatty’s memory to a charity of the giver’s choice. Arrangements J. Nelson Rigby Funeral Home. Online condolences Jnelsonrigbyfh.com
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Published by The Daily Times from Aug. 20 to Aug. 22, 2021.