John Lewis Beers, 97, charter member of South Salem Fire Department

Wednesday, 17 March 2010 10:08

John Lewis Beers died on March 15 at his home in Carmel. He was 97, grew up working in Lewisboro, and was a charter member of the South Salem Fire Department.

Mr. was born Feb. 26, 1913 in Ridgefield Conn., the son of William Wellington Beers and Helen Gilbert Beers. He was one of 10 children, the last surviving member, and is descended from a long line of Ridgefield/Lewisboro Beers. It was a long-time family legend that his great, great grandfather rode with George Washington.

In the 1930s, he worked on and off for the town of Lewisboro’s highway department. He was also a member of the Vista Fire department and his name appears in the book The History of the Town of Lewisboro as a charter member of the South Salem Fire Department where he was badge #25. He had many stories to tell about “the old days in Lewisboro,” working summers at the Alice Poor Estate, now Onatru Farm; about the square dances held in Tator’s garage, which was the original South Salem firehouse. Cyrus Russell and Roy Bouton counted him as a friend, his family said.

When he was a boy he recalled his father, William, a teamster, delivering coal via horses and canvas bags. Mr. Beers, as a young man, used to deliver milk from the Gaffney Farm to Darien, Conn. via the old Model T. He also could recall when the fountain in Ridgefield was used for watering horses, his family said.

In 1942, Mr. Beers entered the Army and served in World War II, the Harbor Craft Training Regiment, 1468 Service Command unit. He fought in three campaigns overseas receiving the European, African, Middle Eastern Service medal w/three Bronze stars.

After returning from the war in 1945, he settled in the area. Soon after his return, he married his wife of 58 years, Virginia Thorne Beers. They had eight children and lived in North Salem.

Mr. Beers loved to garden, his family said, and was always known for his lush flower gardens and even mowed his own lawn until he was 95.

Mr. Beers is survived by his children, Virginia Bailey of South Salem, John Gillette of Carmel, Harry Beers of Carmel, Susan Sinclair of Patterson, David Beers and his wife, Ann Marie, of Patterson, Garry Beers of Patterson, Betsy Basler of North Salem, and Shannon Beers of Patterson; 22 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren; one great, great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be 4 to 8 on Thursday, at the Dwyer Funeral Home in Patterson. Burial will be in the South Salem cemetery.

James Creedon, 71, army veteran

Tuesday, 09 March 2010 19:44

James M. Creedon of New Canaan, Conn. died March 2, at Norwalk Hospital after a long illness. He was 71, and the brother of Lawrence J. Creedon of Cross River.

Mr. Creedon came to New Canaan in 1947 with his late parents, Herbert T. Creedon and Catherine M. Creedon, and his brothers. He attended local schools and graduated from New Canaan High School in 1956. He was an Eagle Scout in Boy Scout Troop 45. Mr. Creedon graduated from Colgate University in 1960 and later earned a master’s degree in business administration degree from New York University.

He served in the United States Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis and ended his service with the rank of sergeant.

During his business career, he held various posts, including investment analyst, trader, and portfolio manager with institutions including AXA Equitable and Citicorp, a brokerage firm, and money managers.

Mr. Creedon was a member of the Darien Power Squadron for many years, achieving “Navigator” status and serving as public relations and educational officer. He was a communicant at St. Aloysius Church, and served a term on the Parish Finance Committee.

Since retiring, he volunteered at the New Canaan Library and visited with war veterans and other seniors.

In addition to Lawrence, Mr. Creedon is survived by brothers Paul E. Creedon of New Canaan and H.T. Creedon, Jr. of Milford, Conn.; and four nieces and nephews. His was predeceased by his younger brother John F. Creedon in 1963.

A memorial Mass will be held at St. Aloysius Church at 11 on Saturday, March 27.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mid-Fairfield Hospice or to the Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital.

For online condolences, visit hoytfuneralhome.com.

Francis 'Frank' Fleischer, 73, math teacher

Tuesday, 09 March 2010 14:40

Francis T. “Frank” Fleischer of Somers died Tuesday, March 9. He was 73, and formerly of South Salem.

Mr. Fleischer was a graduate of the College of Holy Cross and New York University. He taught math at John Jay High School for 34 years. He was a former president and life member of the Lewisboro Lions Club.

Mr. Fleischer is survived by his wife, Joan; sons Peter, Paul and his wife, Amy, and James and his wife, Regan; grandchildren Colin, Julianna, Katie, Brian, Patrick, Kevin, and Maggie; brothers Charles and Stephen; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Friday, March 12 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9, at Clark Associates Funeral Home at 4 Woods Bridge Road in Katonah. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 on Saturday, March 13 at St. Mary Of The Assumption Church in Katonah. Interment will be private.

Donations may be made to St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Katonah or the Lewisboro Lions Club.