Obituary of Bradley J. Beeler

Bradley J. Beeler, 70, of Pomfret Center, CT, died peacefully at home on Friday February 12, 2016. Born on October 12, 1945, in Hartford, CT, son of the late Wilhelmina (Kilby) and James Beeler. Brad was predeceased by his wife Mary M. Beeler of Pomfret Center, CT, son Brian J. Beeler of New London, CT, brother Brian A. Beeler of Berwick, ME and sister Dodie L. Tuttle of Vernon, CT. He is survived by his loving family: his daughter Amy M. Beeler of Washington, DC, Melissa S. Beeler of Bolton, CT and Elizabeth R. Beeler of North Brookfield, MA, his granddaughter Emily T. Cioffari of Bolton, CT and daughter in law Lillian Otero Beeler of New London, CT. His brother James Beeler II and his wife, Barbara Beeler, sisters in law Janice Beeler and Cho Golden, brothers in law James Tuttle and John McLaughlin. His nephews, Brian, Steven, James, Michael and Dennis and nieces Mary Lynn and Christie. At a young age Brad developed a strong attachment to agriculture which led to him attending the University of Connecticut’s program in animal science where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree. Following graduation Brad enlisted in the US Army where he served three years in the Army Corps of Engineers and the Transportation Corps. He served one year in Viet Nam where he received the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. Brad then attended graduate school at the University of Connecticut where he received a Master’s Degree in Animal Science. Following college he was employed as a Cooperative Extension Specialist for Cornell University. After 3 years there he had the opportunity to own and operate Tamarack Farm, a 200 head dairy farm in Pomfret Center, CT, with his brother in law, John McLaughlin. Together they operated the farm for the next 18 years. After operating the farm Brad joined Ohio State University as a faculty member. It was during this time that he began his 20 year career in international agricultural development. During these 20 years Brad spent his time focusing on various agricultural development programs in many different countries, including Ukraine, Russia, Tajikistan and Afghanistan. He returned to the US in 2010 where he had been semi-retired owning a small farm in Pomfret, as well as pursuing his passion for writing. Brad also enjoyed being involved with and serving on various town committees. Calling Hours will be Wednesday, February 17, 2016 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret, burial will be April 2, 2016 at 9:30 AM in South Cemetery, Pomfret with full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Audubon Society, PO Box 11, Pomfret Center, CT 06259. Share a memory at www.smithandwalkerfh.com