Obituary of Edward John Beckhorn

Edward J. Beckhorn, 93, most recently of Montclair, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2016. Mr. Beckhorn was born in Ithaca, NY. During the course of his life, he lived in Ithaca; Glen Cove, NY; Westfield, NJ; Smoke Rise, NJ; Marco Island and Naples, FL before returning to New Jersey for the last year of his life. Mr. Beckhorn was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Verna E. Beckhorn, who died in August 2013. Mr. Beckhorn received B.S., M.S. and Ph.D degrees from Cornell University. His degrees were in the field of microbiology. Mr. Beckhorn was a decorated World War II veteran. He served as a forward observer under General George Patton in Germany during the war and then in the post-war occupation of that country. He received a Bronze Star for valor and attained the rank of Major before leaving the U.S. Army. Mr. Beckhorn was a scientist who was the research director of two major pharmaceutical companies. Later in his career, he served as an in-house scientific advisor to a Madison Avenue advertising agency. Mr. Beckhorn was an avid boater in retirement in Florida. He was an active member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the Ft. Myers, FL region, where he taught courses in navigation and served as Commodore. Mr. Beckhorn is survived by his daughter, Lyn Reiter, and his son-in-law, Glenn Reiter, of Montclair. He is also survived by his grandson, Benjamin Reiter (and wife Alice); his granddaughter, Diana Reiter (and husband Sean Mersten); and his granddaughter, Julie Reiter, all of New York City. In addition, he is survived by two great-granddaughters, Madeleine Reiter and Eve Mersten.