Online Obituaries

Walter J. Beard, 70, of Westfield, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at home. He was born on November 15, 1955 in Westfield and was the son of the late Henry S. and Faith (Johnson) Beard. Walter was a graduate of Edison State College in New Jersey and worked as a computer programmer for various companies. He had the biggest and most generous heart. He loved hard and deep- friends, family and pets. Walter was a lifelong learner and had a passion for reading in subjects ranging from history to science to art to science fiction. Walter was a big fan of Pentatonix. He is survived by his partner, Christine Bednarski of Springfield; two brothers, James S. Beard and wife, Charlotte of Martinsville, VA and Stuart Beard and wife, Carla Romney of Medfield, MA; two sisters, Philadelphia Beard and husband, Jonathan Hood of Cape Coral, FL and Sarah Beard and husband, John Fitzgerald of Blandford; a niece, Emily Beard and a nephew, Stuart Beard and Goddaughter, Jasmine Montanaro of Westfield and her sister, Rachael Dubiel of Huntington. Besides his parents, Walter was predeceased by his wife, Natalie Bozarth. He was a friend of Rosanne. Calling hours are on Monday, January 5, 2026 at the Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home on 61 Grape St. in Chicopee from 2 to 4 pm, with Remembrances at 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southern Poverty Law Center, 4000 Washington Ave. Montgomery, AL 36104.