Thomas “Tom” W. Beeckel

AUGUSTA – Thomas “Tom” W. Beeckel, 67, passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025, with his loving wife by his side after a lifelong battle with cardiovascular disease.

Born in Augusta on July 25, 1958, Tom was the fourth of seven children born to the late John N. and Cynthia E. (Anderson) Beeckel. Tom grew up on the Spring Road in Augusta where he continued to live and eventually raise his children and grandchildren for the remainder of his life. After losing his father at a young age, he and his siblings learned the value of life, family and a hard work ethic early on.

During high school, he attended vocational school and was intrigued by the woodworking tools. A well respected teacher recognized his drive, believed in him, and allowed him to join the class. This was where Tom’s passion for carpentry, craftsmanship and fine woodworking began. Tom graduated from Cony High School in 1976. He then went on to attain an Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Central Maine Vocational Technical Institute (now known as CMCC) and later obtained his realtor’s licensing.

After completing his education, Tom established Burkel Construction Company and built and remodeled residential homes across central Maine for 44 years. He also owned and operated many investment properties and built and sold speculation homes. In Tom’s early retirement years, he spent much of his time maintaining his properties with his meticulous attention to detail.

On May 30, 1986 Tom married Lisa (Tondreau) Beeckel; the love of his life and best friend. Together they built the home of their dreams and went on to raise three children, his “little chickens”, Andrea, Stephanie, and John. Tom always said his proudest accomplishment in life was raising his children. He was a true family man and loving father; always dedicated to creating memories and traditions, helping with school projects, and guiding his children through life.

As his children grew through the next phases of their lives, Tom was always present, cheering them on through their greatest accomplishments and guiding them through their challenges. He was happiest surrounded by his family and adored his grandchildren. You could always find “Grampie” on the floor or outdoors playing with his grandkids. He was the first to give a hug and enjoyed sharing treats, toys and trinkets. Tom was a people person. He acknowledged every person with a warm hello and a pleasant farewell; no one came or went without a hug or handshake from Tom.

On any given day, Tom could be found puttering in his workshop singing along to his favorite music on the boom box and working on a project. He was an active man and enjoyed kayaking, biking, snowmobiling, frisbee golf, target shooting and walking or snowshoeing the back trails of his beloved land. Some of his happiest days were spent traveling to new places locally, nationally and abroad with his wife. They also enjoyed spending an abundance of special time together at their camp that Tom built for his family.

Tom was a lifelong learner and was passionate about history, politics, and mechanics. He could always be found in a conversation trying to learn something new or share a fact that he had learned. He was a man of faith; he always began his days reading the “Daily Word” with his wife and encouraging his family to pray for guidance when they needed it most. He was passionate about architecture and enjoyed art. He loved flavor, color and anything bold.

Tom was pre deceased by his father, John Niles Beeckel, his mother, Cynthia, and his brother John David Beeckel.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Lisa Beeckel; his daughter, Andrea Avery and husband Jon Avery, his daughter, Dr. Stephanie Watson and husband Jake Watson, his son, John Beeckel and wife Allison Beeckel; his beloved grandchildren Riah, Jase, and Jesse Avery; Anna Watson, and Aubri Beeckel; in-laws Norman and Beatrice Tondreau; his siblings, Barbara Ann Tyndall and husband Doug Tyndall, Peter Beeckel and wife Caron Beeckel, Linda Nichols and husband Nick Nichols, Kurt Beeckel, Kathy Beeckel, sisters-in-law, Tamara Beeckel, Tina Partridge and husband Chuck Partridge, Marcia Pouliot and husband Rick Pouliot; and many special nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 6 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 75 Northern Ave., Augusta followed by a burial at Holy Family Cemetery on Townsend Road in Augusta. A reception will be held at The Viles Arboretum, 153 Hospital St., Augusta from 4-6 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers,

memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be made to:

Augusta Food Bank

161 Mt. Vernon Ave.

Augusta, ME 04330

memo: The Kid’s Pack Program, which he participated in being a part of