|
Industrial Arts Instructor, Frank Beto
Date of Birth: November 28, 1928
Date of Death: March 25, 2003
Cemetery: Holy Cross Cemetery
Clarksburg, Harrison County, West Virginia
FRANKLIN JAMES BETO, age 74, of Hinton, WV formerly of Springfield, VA died Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at his home. A native of Clarksburg, WV, he retired after twenty five years service from the Fairfax County school system in Virginia. In 1974 at Annandale High School,  Fairfax County, he was honored as the Industrial Arts Teacher of the Year. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and a Master Mason at the Elmer Tiberman Lodge in Annandale, VA. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Angotti Beto. Also preceded by three brothers. Survivors include his wife, Wilma Beto of Hinton, WV; one son, Tony Beto of Rehobeth Beach, DE; two brothers, Robert Beto of Clarksburg, WV and Michael Beto of Springfield, VA; two sisters, Katherine Frederick and Jean Smith both of Clarksburg, WV. Rite of Commital was held at 12 Noon on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum with Father Vincent E. Joseph officating, assisted by Minister John McCain. Entombment followed. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Hinton, WV. Arrangements by PIVONT FUNERAL HOME, Hinton, WV. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/washingtonpost/name/franklin-beto-obituary?id=5475923
|
Paul Peters
Okay, how many of you still have your chess set, chess set, or fireplace tongs, or something you made in an AHS shop class?
Mr. Beto and I had an amazing friendship during the early years at Annandale. Most days of the school week Mr. Beto and I would take his VW bug during his planning period and go to the ceramics studio near the music store and post office in Annandale, drink a coke and talk ceramics. Later in life I bought a kiln and continued doing ceramics. After I was married he called me one night and invited me to his home for dinner. He lived in Kings Park. Did you know he spray dyed his lawn green so it would always have good color? After dinner he set up an easel and got out a marker. He started detailing a business plan. I watched and wondered where this was going. He penned, American Way on the board and, yes, I groaned and said, "AMWAY". He smiled and said, a great product and good money, I want you to work with me. I smiled and tuned him out. Sad to say he never called me again.
I did learn a valuable lesson in shop. I was talking away while using the wood lathe. Mr. Beto cracked me over the head with a gouge and said, "no talking" while turning a project. No, I never talked again with a wood gouge in my hand!
To this day I remember pouring wood shavings on the floor to help with sweeping up after class.
He was a good teacher and I've used my hands and his lessons throughout my life to repair and build.
He was a great teacher,
Paul Peters
George Roberts
Mr. Beto was a truly great guy in my book. He cam off as a hard A** the first day of school to
"week out the trouble makers" he told me. After that he was all teacher . I learned so much from him
that I have used throughout my construction and delvelopment career. I still have the "Budda" Porcelain paper weight sitting on my desk. Also some other items. 2 horses made from melted aluminum in a sand mold and a Easter Bunny with a cart that I gave my mom back in '68 . The wood shop and Architectural Drafting were probably the best tools he taught me . Sorry he is gone. George