Eric Beefelt

Eric William Beefelt, 59, of 3827 Roseville Sigel Road, Brookville, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 15, 2021.

He was born on August 2, 1961, in Ridgway, PA, the son of Neil W. Beefelt and of the late Marbrie Ellen Goodrich.

Eric attended the University of Virginia on a Navy ROTC scholarship where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at UVA Eric became a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity.  After graduation he was employed by Pure Carbon Co. in Coudersport Pennsylvania; he relocated to Ridgway and continued with Pure Carbon in St. Marys. While working at Pure he designed and repaired machinery and engineered numerous products.  He developed an interest in robotics and automation in the manufacture of carbon products.

While living in Coudersport, Eric developed an interest in flying, which evolved from entertainment to hobby to a passion.  Eric earned his instrument rating and his commercial pilot’s license, and then took a job with Beechwoods Flying Service. He went on to fly for Crown/Mesa Airlines under Liberty Express and USAir Express, and Southern Airways before retiring.

In 1991 Eric opened Scenic Penn Flying Service offering airplane rides and aircraft services. He moved to Brookville, PA in 1994 where he continued to operate Scenic Penn, started Beefelt Engineering and licensed Laurel Airport.  Eric was a member of Elk County Country Club; he volunteered with the Boy Scouts, coached youth soccer and served as Sr. Warden of Grace Episcopal Church in Ridgway and on the vestry of Holy Trinity Episcopal in Brookville.

Eric is survived by his father Neil and step-mother Mary Jo, brother Lyle Beefelt (Lisa), sister Lynne Beefelt, step-brother Brian Epley (Tiffany), step-sister Barbara Squiteri (Tommy) and nephews and nieces: James, Carolyn, Daniel, Bethany, Nicholas, Jeremy, Nicole, Braeden and August. Funeral Services will be October 15, 2022 at Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church, Sigel PA at noon. A celebration of life will follow at Eric’s home in Brookville later in the day.

Friends and family may order flowers, leave online condolences, light a memorial candle, share a memory and obtain additional information by visiting www.furlongfuneralhome.com. 

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