Obituary: Ronald Francis Beal, Jr., 1969 - 2026
Nantucket Current •
Ronald Francis Beal, Jr passed away at Massachusetts General Hospital on July 19, 2026, after an unexpected diagnosis of metastatic cancer. He was 56. Ron was born in Dorchester Massachusetts on September 3, 1969. He grew up in Brockton and Wareham, MA.
Ron came to Nantucket in the late 80’s to work for Nantucket Auto Supply, then for Harry’s Mid Island Auto Supply. He spent many years at Nantucket Auto Body.
Ron was predeceased by his parents, Ronald Sr and Josephine Beal. He is survived by his wife of 32 years Teal Miller Beal, his children, Brittany Louise Beal, Justin Ray Beal, stepdaughter Hillary Polvere Reynolds, her husband Christopher and their children Enzo and Raelyn. Also by his mother-in-law, Susan Michetti Miller, brother-in-law David (Michelle) Miller and Michael (Diane) Miller, and honorary Aunt, “Cookie” Margaret Anne Fleming.
He is further survived by his siblings Terry Beal, Brian Beal, 10 nieces and nephews, and several cousins.
Ron was a man who did big things in quiet ways, and quiet things in big ways. His greatest joy came from how extraordinarily proud he was of his kids. He beat us all at cribbage, was a mad Nantucket Current debater, Sayle’s Seafood was his meal of choice, and he was continually dreaming up new ways to renovate the house. Per Ron’s request, there will be no services. As always, he did things his own way.
Ron’s family would like to thank Dr. Lepore and Diana Hull, RN for their compassionate care, along with Dr. Lepore’s office management team Jane and Aesha. Nantucket EMT’s who were extraordinarily kind, Boston Med Flight, and the amazing group of the Medical ICU Blake 7 at MGH, most especially Dr. Ethan Wagner and Amanda, RN.
Donations in Ron’s memory can be made to Dr. Tim Lepore’s Addiction Solutions- 57 Prospect St. Nantucket, MA 02554, Boston Med Flight- 150 Hanscom Drive Bedford, MA 01730, or the Nantucket Police Charitable Association C/O the Nantucket Police Department, 4 Fairgrounds Rd Nantucket, MA 02554 Att: Melinda Burns Smith.