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Ewart Osmond Beckford, 90, of Jersey City, entered into eternal rest on August 3, 2026.
Born in Enfield, St. Mary’s Parish, Jamaica, West Indies, to the late Aston and Ethel Beckford, Ewart spent much of his early life in Jamaica, later residing in Kingston before immigrating to the United States. He first settled in Brooklyn, New York, and eventually made Jersey City, New Jersey, his home.
Ewart was an accomplished Bookkeeper who took great pride in his education and professional career. He studied at the London School of Accounting and later continued his education at Pace University. His belief in education and hard work extended well beyond his own accomplishments. Ewart had a special love for children and young people and was always eager to offer words of wisdom, encouragement, and guidance. He believed strongly in striving for the very best in life and took great pleasure in encouraging others to recognize their potential and pursue their goals.
An avid cricket player, Ewart maintained a lifelong passion for the sport, which brought him great enjoyment and reflected his deep connection to his Jamaican roots.
Above all, Ewart was devoted to his family. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Islin Beckford; his children, Stephen Beckford, Carolee Beckford, Marlon Dean Beckford, Jackie Beckford, Barbara Beckford, and Ginger Beckford; his stepchildren, Dwight Lawrence and Karl Lawrence; his eight cherished grandchildren; and his many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Ewart was predeceased by his parents, Aston and Ethel Beckford, and his six brothers and sisters.
The Beckford family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many family members and friends who loved, supported, and cared for Ewart throughout his life. They also extend their sincere appreciation to the physicians, nurses, and medical staff at NYU Medical Center for the many years of compassionate care they provided.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a funeral service beginning at 5:00 p.m. The gathering will continue until 8:00 PM.
Visitation will continue on Monday, August 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral procession to Fairview Cemetery, 500 Fairview Avenue, Fairview, New Jersey 07022, where Ewart will be laid to rest at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 2811 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey, in Ewart’s memory.
Ewart leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, perseverance, and devotion to family. He will be remembered especially for the guidance he so freely offered, his desire to see others succeed, and the love he held for his family and those fortunate enough to know him. His memory will live on in the many lives he touched.