Astley Osmond Beckford

Astley Osmond Beckford, 84, of Bridgeport, entered a peaceful rest on March 8, 2024 at Bridgeport Hospital. Born in Bunkers Hill, Parish of Trelawny, Jamaica on September 6, 1939, a son of the late Voris and Ann Madeline Dunbar Beckford. He is survived by his wife, Josephine Clarke Beckford; daughters Orinthia “Joy” (Brian) Hopkins, Candice Beckford (Jason) Wells, Nicole Beckford (Gedeon) Alexander, and Cassandra Beckford (Michael) Aitcheson; sisters Patricia Ragsdale of Connecticut, and Theda Grace Brown of Florida, Prudence Jarret of New York; brother Audley Beckford of Connecticut; and grandchildren Terrin Hopkins, Brianna Hopkins, Kaya Wells, Jadon Wells, Moriah Alexander, Bryce Alexander, Paul Robinson II, Anthony Aitcheson, and Jahmar Aitcheson.  Along with his parents, Astley was preceded in death by his brothers, Philip Tucker and Eppie Beckford of Jamaica; his sister, Catherine Jenny Foulds of Connecticut; and grandson Kyle Gedeon Alexander.

Astley emigrated to the U.S. in the mid-1960’s and had a career as foreman supervisor at Avco/Textron.  His favorite pastimes included gardening, working with his hands, and vacationing with his family, especially their travels to Jamaica.  Astley enjoyed watching cricket and baseball games. What he enjoyed the most was spending time with his family. Family was very important to him, and he looked forward to family gatherings as well as a phone conversation with his loved ones. Astley will be missed for his infectious smile and welcoming spirit.  Anyone that came across him felt welcomed immediately.

Astley did not shy away from sharing how God has blessed him and he would encourage others to have faith and to have a relationship with the Lord.  Astley will be dearly missed by those who had the opportunity to know him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. A funeral service honoring his life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10am in Silliman Memorial Baptist Church, 1728 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06605.  A calling hour will be held from 9am until the time of service in the church.  Interment will follow in Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport.

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