Thomas Frank Beitz

Thomas Frank Beitz

Born December 9th, 1953 to parents Joseph & Mildred Beitz, Thomas Frank Beitz spent his early, middle, and late years on the highest peak of Cinnaminson. As a student of Cinnaminson High School’s class of 1972, an initial interest in chemistry kindled his passion for photography, leading him to the U.S. Navy where he honed his abilities aboard the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy (1972-1975).

 

Knowing the well-beaten path doesn’t always make the right road, he set his own course in life. Photography suited him well, as he had a unique way of bringing out the best in people. From aerial photography in the Navy, to running his own business in Philadelphia, Riverside, and Cinnaminson, the thousands of pictures he took brought him close to the lives of many different people. His interests were just as widespread, finding joy in camping, boating, firearms, and motorcycling. And not one to shy from the spotlight, he was often found at the helm of the many groups in which he took part. Tom played many roles in addition to being a loving husband, father, and friend, fitting them all tightly under one hat.

 

Tom is survived by his wife, Cynthia Curran-Beitz of Cinnaminson, his daughter Cindy Beitz of Maple Shade, and his son Tim Beitz of Philadelphia. He was 59 and a half years old.

 

Come celebrate Tom’s life on Monday from 10 AM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside, where the service will be at 1 PM. Burial will follow on Tuesday at 1 PM at Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, which will be led with a procession starting at 12:30 PM at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey, PO Box 43 Marlton, NJ 08053.

26 Comments

  1. Sharon and Will Daniel says:

    Tom was a great friend since 1971. We shared many common interests and many good times. We shared bad times as well, when he lost his parents at a young age. He was like a godfather to our children, and they loved him dearly. Then our grandchildren came along, and they loved him too. Our life is going to be empty without Tom. Our dear friend is gone, but never forgotten.

  2. Leslie Drummond says:

    Our hearts are broken. Tom was a good spirited person. He was one of the first bikers to willingly sign on to welcome home soldiers. With us. He loved our veterans an service people. He was kind and had a great laugh. He took the most beautiful pictures too. We were lucky to have known him even if for a few short years. He married one of our first members and friend, Cindy. They both were lucky and found love again. Our hearts go out to Cindy and Toms children. He will NEVER be forgotten. Leslie & Mike

  3. Lorraine Hatcher says:

    Tom will be truly missed from the different events that he was seen at supporting our military. He was a true gentlemen. My condolences to Cindy and the rest of the family.

  4. John Kleinstuber says:

    Tommy was a great high school friend and fellow Troop 9 boy scout. He also took my wedding pictures.

    My condolences to his family and friends.

    May peace be with you Tom.

  5. Linda Deal says:

    Tommy, for the last 35 years I have seen you almost everyday. It is hard to believe that you will not be next door anymore. I will always remember how you would yell across the fence “Good morning Auntie Linda”, how you would drive my dog crazy, how you would sneeze in that naughty sort of way, how I rarely saw you without a hat, how you always had a positive outlook, how you never complained, how you loved Tashie, and now Cody, and especially how I always knew you were there if I needed you. It is a difficult time for all of us who knew and loved you. We can’t believe that you are gone. We will have to find our way through this with your positive attitude and without complaining.

    I will never forget you. I know you had to be so happy to see your mom and dad again!!! It is nice to think of you all together in heaven. Enjoy paradise–take some great pics up there!!!

    I’ll see you again sometime!! Until then, Rest in Peace, my friend!! Love, “Auntie Linda”

  6. Sandy Carels Fowler says:

    Tom, you left us too early. You are going to be missed by so many people. I shall always remember when we moved in next door to you on Highland Ave in 1965, we got on our bicycles and you took me to Main Line Shopping Center. You always had that infectious smile and laugh. My thoughts and prayers go out to Cindy, your daughter Cindy, Tim and Barb. May you rest in peace.

  7. Nicholas W Beitz says:

    Just want to say,Tom was a Brother to all of us who supported all veterans,My fathers DAD was Nicholas frank beitz he was a brother of your late Grandfather,remember in the early sixties we visted some of your family it was near maralton New Jersey. My dad was Nicholas Frank Beitz SR.We all lived in phila ,new jersey and Croydon pa. and Bristol pa. Ride Through the pearly gates hold your head high you will not be forgotten. REST IN PEACE Tom Your Cous NICK BEITZ

  8. Ginny Johnston says:

    I knew Tom from motorcycling. Sorry to hear of his death, I will miss seeing him with his camera at the functions.

  9. Barbara Beitz says:

    We were childhood sweethearts. Married 2 months shy of 35 years, for better or for worse. raised together two wonderful children, now beautiful grown adults. We thank God for the blessings we shared and the great family memories. Forgiven, and never forgotten.

  10. Al & Patty Leone says:

    I first meet Ton in 1979 when I answered an ad for a job as Photographer he helped me fine my dream as a Wedding Photographer.
    He kind of took me under his wing up until I had my own studio in Swedesboro.
    Tom had a love for music, camping, we all went white water rafting, with my family down the Delaware it was a 2 day trip. Tom was a blast he knew how to have fun.
    We had gone on a number of field trips, to many too write about. Tom touched lives all-round him, and he became like a brother to me and was at our family Christmas dinner almost every year.
    Tom served as scout leader when his son was in the boy scouts.
    He was good to my son, Tom taught him how to run the Jet skis and took a photo from his boat of me towing my son on a knee board. All memories I will cherish.
    He took the photos at our wedding over 6yrs ago and I took stills and my wife took the video of their wedding taking part in their day doing same for Tom and Cindy.
    He was happiest in his last years but he left far too soon. he will be missed by all for who he was Tom!

  11. Patty Leone says:

    I will away remember his charming ways; he always made me laugh and the good friend he was to my husband and me.
    He will always be in our Heart and prayers.

  12. Kim Grubbs Allison says:

    I lived next door to the Beitz’s from 1963-1978 (the Deal’s bought the house from my parents). Tommy was the big brother I never had. One of my favorite memories was when Tommy brought his dog Bandit over sporting an antler and a huge red nose! Rest in peace, Tommy

  13. Pete ( Fungi) Flowers says:

    Tom was the Real Deal, He was one of the Good Guys. Always a Smile on his Face, and a kind word for everyone. You will be Missed my Friend But never Forgotten. Till we meet again. Rest in Peace.

  14. Marion and Grease Mccartney says:

    Can not beleive Tom is gone. What a wonderful human being,loved all our rides together and events.You will be missed in special ways by many people,loved that you and Cindy came to my Mothers funeral the beginning of July.God bless you and miss you ..Love Olive oyl and Grease.

  15. Marlene Brubaker says:

    Tom, you will be missed. You were taken too soon. You bent over backwards to help others at all times. My favorite memory, is of course, the welcome home celebration you arranged for my son, returning from Afghanistan. You were a member of my school community, as well. Enjoy your next adventure.

  16. Thomas L Meyers says:

    Tom was a great friend and will be sadly missed ! Ride on !

  17. Kathy Gannon Lihotz says:

    My husband Frank and I were saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. We graduated from high school together in 1972, and were so pleased to have Tom photograph our wedding nine years later. We enjoyed talking together on those few occasions when we would bump into each other around town. Tom will be missed.

  18. RosemarieChuplis says:

    You were a great memory to my high school days! You always had a smile on your face and were pretty awesome at capturing my good side in photos 😉 my thoughts are with your family !

  19. Joe Taylor says:

    I worked with Tom for many years at Bellmawr. A great guy and funny. He did have many interests and we rode down to Rolling Thunder in DC, or at least we started down, His bike would break down! At work, he never took any nonsense from Management. He was well liked and has been missed since his retirement. God give comfort to the family.

  20. Lillian and John Brady says:

    Tom will definitely be missed by us. I will never forget Tom taking me under his wing and teaching me how to use my camera. If I had any questions all I had to was send him an e-mail.

  21. Lillian and John Brady says:

    Tom will definitely be missed by us. I will never forget Tom taking me under his wing and teaching me how to use my camera. If I had any questions all I had to was send him an e-mail. We extend our condolences to Cindy and his family.

  22. Suzy & Tom Holcomb & Frank Families says:

    Having known the Beitz family all my life, it saddens us to hear of Tom’s death. A good friend & photographer who did many of our pix. Our thoughts & prayers are w/Cynthia, the kiddos, & Beitz family.

  23. Mark Valentine says:

    To one Vet to a Navy Vet ..Boozer supported all veterans and was my true honor to have met him and work with him on a few rides ( The Wall ) and other details..I was with him in Oaklyn and Cherry Hill Riders …From my heart to Tom Family what great send off with his life in photo’s and mass card. Go Navy !!!
    Mark Valentine ( Retired SFC) Army

  24. Leslie Watson says:

    On behalf of staff and volunteers at the Battleship New Jersey I would like to thank Tom for his donation of photography equipment to our Photo Lab exhibit. Over the past few months Tom worked tirelessly to put together a display to show the public how a Navy photographer worked a generation ago. His collection is unique and the Battleship is grateful for Tom’s contribution of both his his talent and artifacts. Photographic technology has changed rapidly in just a few years, so his array of rolls of film, enlargers, and darkroom equipment will be only more intriguing as the years roll on. As Museum Registrar in the museum’s Curatorial Department I am happy that I had the chance to work with him.

  25. Barry Naus says:

    Well Tom, I still think of you … and remember when first we met … sharing a few mooseheads in our driveway when we had a garage sale. (We probably shared more than a few more over the next couple years).

    I tell everybody who asks, that I learned everything I know about camping from you.

    You would be happy to know that I recently purchased my first Beatles recordings, and think about you whenever I play them. I wasn’t a fan back in the day, but they are growing on me.

    Miss you buddy,

    Barry

  26. arnold manzella says:

    Wow Tom your fine and clearly define spirit is still with us. I hired you to work for and with me at Cutler Camera in Willingboro. Today I was looking for you to return the favor. We always kept in touch throughout the years except the last few. I am devastated to here of your passing. Perhaps you need a assistant photographer up their. Believe me I am ready to relocate. Till them you will be forever missed.

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