William Joseph Beal

William Joseph Beal transitioned to the hereafter on September 24, 2025. He gave and received much joy in his lifetime. Bill, as he was known, was born in 1947 in New York City. Lillian A. (Hardy) and John C. Beal's prayers were answered when they adopted him as an infant. Their small family moved to Belmont, MA, and later Rockland, MA. As an adult, Bill lived in Marblehead, Norwell, and Centerville, MA.

Late in life, Bill learned of his birth mother, Margaret E. Kaufmann. Finding her family and being warmly embraced by them was significant and joyful for him. His cousins were amazed when they recognized many of his mother's personality traits and as well as a significant visual resemblance.

Following graduation from Rockland High School, Bill studied Management Information Systems at Northeastern University. He was an early graduate of the Respiratory Care program at University College, NU. He was a pioneer in hyperbaric medicine while on staff at Children's Hospital Medical Center. He served as Clinical Director of Respiratory Care at Boston University Medical Center and was the Director of Respiratory Therapy at St. Elizabeth's Hospital.

Bill left clinical practice to work for various companies doing research and product development in the respiratory and anesthesia markets. He created and managed Beal Associates, a successful sales, distribution, and service business focused on respiratory home healthcare. Governor Charles Baker named Bill to the Board of Respiratory Care where he was pleased to serve as the Vice Chairman of the Board at the time of his death.

Over the years, Bill found much satisfaction in volunteer service. Soon after college, Bill joined the Big Brother organization. His matched younger brother, Richard Dorrance, now of Yuma, Arizona, became a lifelong friend. Bill's love of dogs, especially Huskies, led him to be involved with MUSH (care for medically challenged Siberian Huskies), the Salem Dog Park, and pet therapy programs. He served as a companion for Hospice of the North Shore and Greater Boston. An active church member throughout his life, Bill was a Licensed Eucharistic Minister at St. Michaels Church in Marblehead, and Trinity Church in Rockland.

In 2013, Bill received the gift of life through a kidney transplant at MGH. He was deeply grateful to the donor, known only as Jimmy, and the donor's family. Bill's transplant physician, Dr. Nina Tolkoff-Rubin, is appreciated and remembered by his family for her kindness and expertise. After the transplant, Bill became a volunteer ambassador and speaker for The New England Organ Bank. He liked to say that the gift of a donated organ benefits many more people than just the recipient.

Bill leaves three much loved children, two grandchildren, and a great-grandson. His children include his adopted daughter, Tammy Ferran of Barbourville, KY, who lovingly cared for him during the last month of his fight with cancer. He, also, leaves his adopted son, Todd Beal and his wife, Kirstin, and their daughter Lillianna "Lex" of Cambridge. Additionally left are his son, Zachary Beal and his wife, Michelle, of Jericho, VT., Bill's grandson, Charles Lee Ferran, and his wife, Nicole, of Duryea, PA., and his great-grandson, Charles Robert Ferran of Middletown, NY. Bill was previously married to Suzanne Cornett Mulvee and Janice Salisbury-Beal.

His life partner of many years, Joanne C. Carpenter, Centerville, MA, will forever be grateful for the love and joy they shared.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Church, Rockland, MA at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the church that meant so much to Bill and his parents, Trinity Church, 3 Goddard St., Rockland, MA 02370. Inurnment will be in the spring.