Former U.S. Congressman Eddie Beard Passes Away
Obituary
Former U.S. Congressman Eddie Beard Passes Away
He was 80 years old.
Beard, who worked as a house painter before entering politics, began his political career as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, serving from 1972 to 1974.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTBeard was elected to the U. S. House of Representatives in 1974, and served three terms.
He served as chairman of the House Committee on Labor Standards. His bid for re-election in 1980 was unsuccessful when he lost to Claudine Schneider, Rhode Island's only woman elected to Congress.
Beard later served as director of elderly affairs for the City of Providence, Rhode Island, from 1986 to 2002.
“It is with great sadness that we join other Rhode Islanders in offering our deepest sympathy to the family of the late U.S. Representative Edward 'Eddie' P. Beard on his recent passing,” said Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairman Joseph McNamara.
“He was a dedicated public servant – a three-term Rhode Island congressman; former member of the Rhode Island National Guard during the time of the Vietnam War; and a past Providence director of elderly services. He was known and beloved for his ‘average joe’ point of view, for his legendary coat-pocket paintbrush, and for his opinions as a popular, area talk-show host,” he continued.
“Eddie’s passion to serve, whether in government, the military, or on the air, earned him the deep respect and lasting friendship of so many. He will be missed,” McNamara said.
O'Halloran, T. J., photographer. (1975) Portrait of congressman Edward Beard with paintbrush., 1975. February 6. [Photograph]
Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2017647508/.