GILFORD ---- John Francis Beyrent, 76, of Gilford, passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Jack Byrne Palliative Care Center in Lebanon.
Born on November 7, 1947, he was the son of Joseph and Helen (Hintze) Beyrent, and grew up in Falls, Pennsylvania.
His love for music brought him to Wilkes University for his Bachelor’s Degree and Mansfield University for his master's, studying music education at both institutions. It was at Wilkes University that he met Alice Richie, and they wed in August 1968. John began his 33-year teaching career in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, then in Winchester, Massachusetts, and Springfield, Vermont, before landing at Gilford Middle High School in 1985. He taught at GMHS for 18 years.
A lifelong learner with varied interests, John earned postgraduate credits from New England Conservatory and Penn State University. Music truly was his passion, and he loved listening to all genres (but never rap). Most people knew him as a teacher and band director (including Gilford Community Band), trumpet player (soloist at weddings and in various big bands), and composer/arranger (many of his works are published). He was a founding member of several organizations including the Belknap Brass Quintet and Carter Mountain Brass Band. Joining the Yankee Brass Band to learn more about Civil War music and play on authentic instruments each summer brought him great joy.
Other interests included reading (Sherlock Holmes in particular), gardening, home renovations, pipe smoking, old cars, raising dogs, and drawing. Most everyone remembers John’s love for playing practical jokes and sharing a good pun (his cartridge in a bare tree will live on forever). The Red Sox took up a lot of space in his heart and his home, and he was a loyal, devout follower.
John is predeceased by his parents, his sister Carol Treacy, and his brother Joseph. He leaves behind his wife, Alice; daughter Heather and her husband, Bryan Doughty, and grandchildren Brynn, Hayden and Bryce; son Erich and his partner, Jenna Caddell, and grandchildren Christopher and Nicholas; son Geoffrey and his partner, Xandria Ponte; and dog Molly and cat Coco Chanel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in John’s name to Gilford Parents of Performing Students (POPS) or Carter Mountain Brass Band (attention Robin Jackman).
A Celebration of Life will be held at First United Methodist Church Hope Ministries of Gilford, NH on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 1 p.m.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.