Dennis Donald Beer

Dennis D. Beer, 77, of Auburn, New Hampshire, passed away on April 17, 2025. A quiet intellectual with a deep love for history, jazz, and storytelling, Dennis leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those he held dear.

Born on February 8, 1948, in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, Dennis was the son of Wilhelmina (Hubbard) Beer and Donald Beer. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy and later pursued studies at Southern New Hampshire University. Though he opted not to complete his final credit—an English class—his passion for literature and storytelling far exceeded any academic requirement. Dennis had an exceptional ability to absorb knowledge and share it with others through captivating tales and thoughtful conversations.

He met the love of his life, Brenda McDowell, in their hometown when he playfully threw a snowball at her during seventh grade at her family’s ice-skating rink. They married in 1970, after Dennis returned from serving in the Vietnam War, and went on to share 55 years of adventures together—traveling across the country and around the world.

Dennis was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War, where he served with distinction as a Technical Specialist 5 in cryptography. It was during this time he discovered his gift for working with machines—a skill that would guide his career. After returning home, he built a successful life as an electronics technician, working throughout Southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Known for his meticulous nature and sharp problem-solving skills, he earned the respect and trust of colleagues and clients alike.

A man of many passions, Dennis was an avid reader and lifelong student of history and politics. His deep love for jazz was more than a hobby—it was the soundtrack to his days. Whether walking through the streets of Auburn with his dogs or relaxing at home, jazz music provided a rhythm for his life. The length of a jazz CD, in fact, often dictated the duration of his daily walks.

Dennis found joy in life’s simplest pleasures: feeding squirrels in the yard, diving into books and documentaries, or sharing stories steeped in wisdom and wit. In later years, he especially cherished traveling with Brenda and close friends Mary and John Zeunik—journeys that became rich sources of the stories he so loved to recount.

Above all else, Dennis was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Brenda (McDowell) Beer; daughter Paula Lescure; son-in-law John Lescure; and beloved granddaughter Emmaline Lescure. He is also survived by in-laws, nieces and nephews in Vermont and Connecticut, as well as many dear friends who were like family to him and Brenda.

He was predeceased by his parents, Wilhelmina and Donald Beer; his brother, William Beer; and by many cherished canine companions—Sam, Lulu, Pal, Mose, Maple, and Paulie—each fondly remembered and forever in his heart.

Dennis’s warm presence will be deeply missed but forever felt by those who knew and loved him. His legacy lives on in every story shared around the dinner table, every jazz note drifting through an open window, and every quiet walk taken beneath the New Hampshire sky.

May his memory be a blessing.

A burial service will take place on Stannard Mountain, Vermont in September.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warriors Project.