Ellis "Norman" Beesley, 92, of Manasquan, passed away on April 10, 2014 at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, FL. He was born on November 22, 1921 in Kearny, NJ. He was raised in Kearny and was a graduate of Kearny High School. He worked in Duponts as a research Scientist and attended Newark College of Engineering.
After Pearl Harbor was attacked, he signed up with the Army Air Corps as a fighter pilot. He served in the Army Air Corp from 1942 to 1945, where he flew 42 missions over Italy. His last year was spent in a German POW Camp after his plane was shot down. In 1948 he married Eileen Farrell and worked as a Fireman with the Kearny Fire Department until retiring in 1985. After retiring he moved to his summer home in Manasquan and wintered in Ellenton, FL. He enjoyed fishing, boating, shuffleboard and traveling to many destinations.
Mr. Beesley is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eileen (nee Farrell) and is also survived by two sons, Dr. Ellis N. Beesley Jr. and his partner John Silkey and Philip E. Beesley and his wife Eileen. Four grandchildren, Scott Philip and his fiancee Bethany Smith, Claire Catharine, Robert and Ryan. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Neary-Quinn Funeral Home, 39 South Street, Manasquan, NJ. A Mass of Resurrection will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 9:30 am at St. Denis Church in Manasquan. Cremation will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer's Association, 400 Morris Ave, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834-1365 OR a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 6, 2014
Dear Eileen, Ellis,and Phillip, I wanted to offer my condolences to your family. Mr. Beesley was a good man. My fondest memory was when he taught me how to swim in the lagoon, and then I wanted to race him. I always told my boys about the great times I had in Manasquan, and now I tell my 2 granddaughters about it. Please accept my sincere apology for missing the wake. With respect, Ron Tholen
(Bob and Madelyn's son)
April 22, 2014
David Miller
I knew Mr. Beesley mostly from when I was a young child and have fond memories of him taking my dad (Who also was a Kearny Fireman)and I out fishing, and even steering the boat a few times. I wanted to share this memory and offer my condolences to the family. Dave Miller
April 17, 2014
Paul Pembroke
April 17, 2014
Paul Pembroke
April 17, 2014
Paul Pembroke
"Norm" will be missed by all his friends and neighbors at Terra Siesta in Florida.
He was respected and admired for his Military accomplishments and Fighter Pilot experiences. I was Blessed and Honored to visit "Fantasy of Flight" with him and take photos of him with some of the aircraft he flew. Pictures at https://plus.google.com/photos/114926827412465451905/albums/5986749974140384273?banner=pwa&authkey=CPDk8sjhxOzTigE
April 15, 2014
Richard Garlipp
We are saddened by your dad's passing and sorry we missed the obituary in the paper. A good man, a good life. With our love, Rich & Patti Garlipp
April 13, 2014
Cindy Farrell DiMaio
Uncle Norman...you will be sorely missed by your family. You were a great man, husband, father and grandfather. I remember the times we came to the shore for family visits in the summer. They are some of my fondest childhood memories! I always thought you were such a hero with your stories about escaping the POW camps. As a young person I was so impressed and amazed at your tenacity, will and bravery during your time as a POW! RIP Uncle Norman! xxoo
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