Reverend Joseph F. Beckman died on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born on November 5, 1921, in Hamilton, Ohio. He did his preparatory studies at St. Gregory Seminary, Cincinnati and studied theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary of the West, Norwood. He was ordained on May 29, 1954 at St. Monica Cathedral in Cincinnati, by Archbishop Karl J. Alter.
Father Beckman received his first assignment on June 17, 1954, as Assistant of Holy Angels Parish and teacher at Purcell High School, Cincinnati. On June 16, 1955, he was appointed Chaplain of Ursuline Convent and School of St. Martin, Brown County. On June 20, 1958, he was appointed to the faculty of St. Gregory Seminary. On August 21, 1959, he was appointed to edit the Confraternity of Suffering paper under the direction of the pastor of St. Mary Church (13th & Clay Streets). On April 22, 1960, he was assigned to help at St. Mary Parish, Oxford on Sundays and Holydays. On June 6, 1961, Father Beckman was appointed Assistant at St. Agnes Parish, Cincinnati, continuing to edit the Confraternity of Suffering. On August 24, 1961, he was appointed Assistant at St. Michael Parish, Sharonville, continuing to edit the Confraternity of Suffering, and to teach part-time at Notre Dame High School, Reading. On June 14, 1963, he was appointed as Assistant of Assumption Parish, Mt. Healthy and continuing to teach at Notre Dame High School. On June 17, 1964, he was appointed Assistant of St. Mary Parish, Oxford, part-time teacher at Hamilton Catholic High School, and to work with the Newman Club, under the direction of the pastor at Miami University. On August 24, 1971, Father Beckman was granted a leave of absence from any regular assignment in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and to take up residence at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Norwood. For 10 years thereafter, Father Beckman spent time traveling to over 80 countries – providing articles and photographs on Third World poverty and concerns, published in Catholic periodicals and newspapers. On July 1, 1982, he was appointed Chaplain at St. Joseph Infant and Maternity Home, Cincinnati. Father Beckman retired from active ministry on December 1, 1989.
Reception of the Body: Monday, July 26, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel of St. Gregory the Great at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology, 6616 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230; (513-231-2223). Celebrant: Reverend David A. Sunberg. Homilist: Reverend Timothy P. Schehr. Visitation: until 8:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of St. Gregory the Great at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology. Celebrant: Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr. Homilist: Very Reverend Anthony R. Brausch. (Priests: If you plan on concelebrating, please contact Erin Kepf at [email protected] or 513.231.2223.)
Burial: Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Stephen Cemetery, 1314 Greenwood Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45011. Celebrant: Reverend Larry R. Tharp.
