Beals Island, Maine - Anthony L. Beal Sr., 78, of Beals Island, Maine, passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 19, 2026. His passing was sudden, and he left this world having lived a life defined by hard work, service, family, friendship, and a deep love for the island he proudly called home. Born on November 4, 1947, Anthony was a lifelong resident of Beals Island and grew up on the Kelley Farm under the cautious and caring eyes of his elderly extended family.

He graduated from Beals High School in 1966 and excelled in basketball scoring 1097 points in his career, and setting a Class S tournament scoring record of 90 points in 1965. After high school, Anthony honorably served his country in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1971 aboard the USS Guadalcanal (LPH-7) as an aviation boatswain's mate. Following his active-duty service, he continued serving in the United States Naval Reserve, ultimately retiring with the rank of boatswain's mate chief (BMC). Anthony carried immense pride in his military service, and the lifelong friendships and experiences it provided.

After returning home, Anthony spent his entire life working the shores and waters of Downeast Maine. He dug worms and clams from the time he was a young man and continued to do so up until the day of his passing. He also lobstered for many years, finally retiring in 2025.

Anthony earned his living through hard work, determination, and perseverance. He never expected anything to be handed to him and built his life through dedication and grit. He was, in every sense of the phrase, a self-made man.

Anthony was an avid sea duck and deer hunter. Countless mornings were spent gunning for coots over block decoys or that chance buck that would step into range. He had a passion for decoys, firearms, and a variety of hunting related endeavors.

Known for his quick wit and playful nature, Anthony loved teasing people and getting a laugh whenever he could. He had a remarkable sense of community and genuinely enjoyed spending time with friends, neighbors, and family. To know him was to know that a joke, a story, or a good-natured jab was never far away. As many who knew him would say, "He was something else."

Above all, Anthony was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 11 years, Priscilla Zaragoza Beal; his son, Anthony L. Beal Jr. and wife, Allison; his daughter, Janette B. Erickson and husband, Ian; and his four cherished granddaughters, Lauren Marie Beal, Leah Jane Beal, Hannah Beal Erickson, and Morgan Janette Erickson. He took tremendous pride in his family and treasured every moment spent with them. Anthony was predeceased by his beloved high school sweetheart and wife of 43 years, Sandra Marie Beal; his father, Noyes Edgar Beal; his mother, Sylvia Mae Look; his grandfather, Nathaniel Beal; his uncle Ronald Beal; and finally his grandmother, Octavia Beal. Anthony will also be fondly remembered by the many friends he made throughout his life on Beals Island and beyond. There are simply too many to name individually, but each held a special place in his heart. To all of those who shared stories, hunting trips, time on the water or on the flats, a homemade gift, a cup of coffee , or simply friendship over the years—thank you. You know who you are.

Anthony was proud to be a Beals Islander. The values of his island community - hard work, self-reliance, resilience, and helping neighbors were what Anthony embodied throughout his life. His legacy will endure through the family he loved, the friendships he treasured, and the example he set for those who knew him.

A graveside memorial service celebrating Anthony's life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Sewall Field Cemetery on Beals Island. Family and friends are invited to attend and share in remembering a man whose life embodied hard work, loyalty, service, and love for family and community. A celebration of life reception will follow at the Hilyard Building after the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, where online condolences may be shared: bragdonkelley.com.