John J. “Papa” Beford, 58, of 15 Pine Lane, died Friday, April 25 at Life Care Center of Auburn after a courageous battle with cancer.

   He leaves his fiancee of 6 years, Beverly A. Cody; a son, Jeremy J. Beford of Spencer; two daughters, Jonene A. Angelo and her husband Ryan of Holden, and Jaimie S. Perchak and her husband Nathan of Spencer; his father, Pierre G. Beford of Spencer; a brother, Pierre “Pete” Beford and his wife Kathy of Spencer; three sisters, Suzanne E. Hayden and her husband David and Jean M. Decoteau and her husband John all of N.Brookfield, and Janet J. Beford of Spencer; his extended family, Christine M. Deeds and her husband Matthew of Rutland and Tina and John Cody of Spencer; two special people in his life, Arlene L. Tatro of Spencer and Stacy Kulma of Auburn; ten grandchildren, Madisyn and Maya Angelo, Riley, Jarrett and Brodey Perchak, Johnathon Beford, Cody Deeds, Mark Gevry, Jordan and Jack Cody; his friends at Carmella’s Restaurant in Brookfield; and several nieces and nephews.

   John was a carpenter at UMASS Memorial Hospital on Belmont St. in Worcester, where he worked for 32 years, retiring last June. He served his country during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Army. Born in Spencer, he was the son of the late Pearl (Boudreau) Beford. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and especially his family.

   Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28 at 10 a.m. in the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Sunday, April 27 from 3 to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to UMASS Memorial Foundation, Cancer Care Fund, 365 Plantation St., Suite 100, Worcester, Ma., 01605.