Richard Thomas Beith

Richard Thomas Beith, 77, of Franklin passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024. Rick was a beacon of happiness and optimism to all who knew him. He had a smile that could light up the room, a wry sense of humor, and an ardent desire to serve the community he loved. 

Rick was born in Franklin on May 20, 1947 to Marion Phinney and Richard Anderson Beith. Growing up on Third Street in Franklin, Rick loved fishing, basketball, golf, and family. He spoke fondly of summers on French Creek, and fishing in Gander, Newfoundland with his grandfather, Willis Phinney. Rick’s father taught him to be a hardworking man, and Rick spent many of his summers caddying at Wanango Country Club. He always had an affinity for antique British and German sports cars, and could often be seen cruising the streets in his Bug Eyed Sprite. 

After graduating from Franklin High School in 1965, Rick matriculated to the University of Pittsburgh, first at the Titusville campus, and then at the main campus. During his collegiate summers, he worked for Franklin Steel and PennDOT. In 1969, he graduated with a degree in economics. Shortly after - days before receiving his draft notice - he enlisted in the Army National Guard based out of Erie. 

After serving his six month active duty deployment, Rick took a job with First National Bank. While working in Erie, Rick met the love of his life, Kathleen Ann Miller. Rick took Kathy on a blind date in October, and three months later they were married, on January 16, 1971. In August of 1974, Rick convinced Kathy to move to Franklin, and they have been a permanent fixture of the community since. 

Upon moving back to Franklin, Rick began working for his father at Dolson & Beith. In 1989, Rick took over the family company, renaming it Beith Associates, and in 1991 he obtained his certified general appraiser’s license. Rick was integral to the development and success of the City of Franklin over the last 50 years. A pillar of the community, he served on any board that asked. He was instrumental in the UPMC hospital merger, served on the board of the Franklin YMCA during several major fundraising and capital campaigns, and dedicated himself to the Chamber of Commerce, playing an essential role in the creation of Applefest. Of all his contributions, none bear comparison to his role as a husband and father. His love was unwavering, and his legacy of compassion and dedication will live on in those who knew his love. 

Rick is preceded in death by his mother, Marion, and his father, Richard A. Beith.

He is survived by his adoring wife, Kathleen, daughter Laura and husband Domenic Viccari, son Mathew and wife Mishelle, daughter Jaime and husband Taylor Anderson, sister Nancy and husband Steven Walker, niece Haley Walker and husband Jeremy Robichaux, 8 grandchildren Cassidy and Colleen Holt, Abigail Viccari, Ellis, Ogden, and Harper Beith, Rowan Khunti, and Celine Anderson, Olive, and his beloved dog, Maggie. 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin were friends are welcome from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M. Thursday.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Franklin YMCA Flyers Swim Team, care of the Franklin YMCA 111 West Park St. Franklin, PA 16323. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.Huffguthrie.com.