Joseph Beckford, affectionately known as "Joe" and "Deacon Beckford," age 88, of New Haven, Connecticut, was born in Mason River, Clarendon, Jamaica, West Indies, on August 25, 1937, to the late Eva Lindsay and Joshua Beckford.

Joseph departed this life on December 21, 2025, at his home in Connecticut after battling illness for over a year under the loving care of his family.

During his younger years, Joseph traveled between Jamaica and Florida, where he worked in farming. While living in Jamaica, he met Gloria Satchell, and their union produced their first child, Rickerdo Beckford. In 1976, Joseph migrated permanently to Connecticut as a resident of the United States and later became a U.S. citizen in 1982. He obtained part-time employment at Yale University while also working for Firestone Tire and Rubber Company as a road service technician, a position he held for nearly ten years. He later returned to Yale University, where he worked in various departments, including grounds maintenance, dining services, and truck driving. Joseph dedicated forty years of service to Yale University before retiring in 2017 at 80 years old.

In 1981, Joseph returned to Jamaica and married Gloria Beckford, who later migrated to the United States to join him in July 1982. Together, they welcomed two more children, Daniel Beckford in 1984 and Sarah Beckford in 1994.

In 1983, Joseph found fellowship at Christian Fellowship Church of God, located at 1229 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, Connecticut. There, he was baptized under the leadership of the late Bishop S. A. Munroe. Joseph served as a committed and dedicated member of the church and was later appointed Head Deacon. He dependably drove the church bus, cared for the church compound, managed garbage disposal, and repaired and maintained tools as needed. Joseph was a handyman, a lover of gardening, and especially cherished his pear tree. He was patient, faithful, and humble in all that he did and always wore a smile, even when he was tired. One could always depend on him, as he never said "no."

Joseph was a very hard worker who always found something useful to do. He continued working diligently until he became ill in the summer of 2024, when he had to stop working. Joseph fought the good fight, kept the faith, and there is a crown of righteousness laid up for him, which the righteous Judge will give to him for the many lives he impacted.

Joseph was predeceased by three brothers—John, James, also known as "Jimmy," and Samuel—and two sisters, Nesser and Elaine. He is survived by his two sisters, Adassa Harriot and Clementina Beckford, as well as a beloved cousin, Virol Wignal, affectionately known as "Baby Boy," and his niece, Alice Young. Joseph was also preceded in death by his former wife, Cherry-Ann Lodge, with whom he shared children: Wayne Levy, Marjorie Beckford-Washington, Catherine Beckford, and the late Christopher Beckford.

Left to cherish his memory are his dear and loving wife, Gloria Beckford, and his children: Joseph George Beckford Jr., Mecham Beckford, Rickerdo Beckford, Oneil Williams, Daniel Joseph Beckford, Sarah Beckford, and the late Dr. Jacqueline Satchell.

Continuing his legacy as well are his grandchildren: Dasjah Beckford, Mecham Beckford Jr., Tanasia Thomas, Christopher Boyd, Monifa Sterling, Anisah Turner, Michael Sterling, Yvette Sterling, Suraya Sterling, Brent Washington Jr., Monae Reid, Kristen Washington, Erica Jones, Alissa Jones, Korey Allen,

and Marley Beckford; and his great-grandchildren, Andrew Greene, Soleia Greene, Maya Boyd, Thaddeus Lowery, Christopher Sterling, Titus Pollard, Jaxson Turner, and Dermont Sims. He is lovingly remembered by a host of other relatives, friends, and well-wishers. Joseph will be deeply missed by all. May he rest in the arms of the Lord.

A celebration of Joseph's life and legacy will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at Christian Fellowship Church, 600 Jones Hill Road, West Haven, followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven. Family and friends may attend a viewing at the church on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.