WILLARD R. BEECHER

STARKSBORO — Willard R. Beecher, longtime resident of Starksboro, Vt., died Nov. 10, 2025, at age 77.

Will was born in Somerville, N.J., Nov. 6, 1948. He moved to Vermont as a young adult, where he would go on to enjoy years of birdwatching and spending time in the Vermont outdoors. While he would always celebrate a win for the New York Yankees, he was equally likely to be celebrating a rare bird sighting.

Prior to settling in Vermont, Will attended art school in Manhattan, New York, where he studied commercial art. He continued to possess artistic talent over the years and created many artworks that will remain cherished by their owners.

In early adulthood Will spent time at car races, working as the pit crew for a number of events. He traveled to many destinations around the U.S. with his team to compete, including Daytona, Fla., for the Daytona 24-Hour Race.

During a long career at PJ’s Auto Village in South Burlington, Vt., Will was beloved by his coworkers and customers alike. If a stubborn automobile problem could not be figured out, Will was known for being able to take a quick listen or look and immediately identify even the most obscure, confounding issue with a car. His understanding of mechanics and engineering was profound.

Will was known for his humor and harmless, creative pranks, which delighted those who knew him.

Will is survived by his wife, Ruth Beecher; daughter, Jodie Beecher (Ian Tewksbury); and sister, Diane Farkas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Willard and Bertha Beecher; and brother-in-law Robert Farkas.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring, to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Starksboro Volunteer Fire Department or Addison County Home Health and Hospice. ◊