Published in the March 31, 2017 edition
REVERE — Kenneth Michael Beardsley, 70, of Revere and formerly of Melrose, passed away peacefully on March 24 in the home he shared with his wife of 47 years. Throughout his distinguished life, the love he shared with Linda was a constant that guided them from high school sweethearts to doting grandparents. As a father he was without equal. He coached his sons’ little league baseball, basketball, and hockey teams, taking as much pride in creating an atmosphere of fun and fair play as he did in individual or team accomplishments. However, the best games played were the neighborhood football games in the backyard, followed closely behind by the driveway basketball games. These memories were so vivid and important to him that he replaced the basketball hoop in the driveway well after his boys were married and he had made his last foul shot. While his childhood stories of “Greenwood Greeks” football prowess grew to mythic proportions over the years, his waterskiing talents were well-known by all, a love of which he shared with his family. Tubing, while fun, proved to be too risky as it often left Kenbo’s trunks at knee level. In his later years, he spent many weekends with his sons on the golf course, where he made many close friends. Puzzled that he would play golf with his boys for 8 hours at a time, Linda later learned that the tradition of the 19th hole technically wasn’t played on the course. It was as a grandfather that he truly excelled. A self-described “soft touch,” he was known to provide penny candy and other treats liberally. As a chauffeur his “drop off, pick up” was a specialty that always included a lollipop for the grandchildren. However, his hackney license was suspended as the way to school treat was frowned upon. He survived the review process and was monitored closely from then on, maintaining good standing through frequent hugs and funny stories. His love for his grandchildren knew no bounds. Suffering from an affliction best defined as “ants in the pants,” Ken spent countless hours performing community service and volunteer work. He served Melrose as a Ward 2 alderman, and later as an appointee to the Board of Assessors, and directed the Youth Basketball League at the Melrose YMCA for several years after coaching Melrose Youth Hockey, Little League Baseball and youth basketball teams. He believed strongly in giving back to those who gave so much to him, volunteering at Mass. General Hospital for many years in appreciation of the care he received and relationships which were built there. Ken drew energy and strength from his relationships, and loved spending time among his family and friends. A gifted public speaker, he will be smiling down on the events of the next couple of days sorry that he couldn’t be with us sharing his memories. He touched the lives of many with a love and generosity that was genuine, beautiful, and kind. We will always remember his larger-than-life personality and the way he made us feel in his company. We honor his legacy by sharing these moments and connections with others along with a hug and a smile – just the way he would have wanted. Ken was the beloved husband of Linda V. (Schaalman) Beardsley. He was the devoted father of Kurt M. Beardsley and his wife Tara of Malden, and Steven M. Beardsley and his wife Melissa of Medford. He was the proud grandfather of Kaelen, Emma, Ryan, Molly and Sean. He was the caring brother of Kathleen and the late Kevin and Keith Beardsley. He was the cherished uncle of Kris Beardsley, Michael Pont, Robyn Johnson, Andrew and Greg Schaalman. He is also survived by many wonderful friends. Visitation was be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, on Monday, March 27, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The funeral was from the Gately Funeral Home on Tuesday morning followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield. Interment at Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield was private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Ken’s name to the Maranyundo Initiative of Rwanda, 9 Waterhouse St. Cambridge, MA 02138 or to Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St. Boston, MA 02114. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
