Isaac Samuel Beal

Isaac Samuel Beal, a cherished soul and pillar of the Forest Park community, passed peacefully at home in Forest Park, Illinois, on March 8, 2026. He was 91. Born November 4, 1934, in Hermanville, Mississippi, Isaac lived a life defined by service, faith, and dedication to family and community.

He was the beloved husband of Mary Beth Cobleigh-Beal, with whom he shared 39 years of marriage. He was a devoted father to Leslie Connie; Carol White, partnered with Carl; and Kate Beal, joined by Adam Tiagonce. He was a proud and doting grandfather of Hosea, Isaac, Alina, and Amelia. He was a loving family member to a constellation of brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was cherished by many friends. Isaac is also survived by his sister, Amelda Parker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude (née Walker) and Davenport Beal; his siblings James, Eddie, Ralph, and Cleopatra; and his first wife, Maude.

A graduate of Dunbar High School, Isaac was a captain in the Illinois Civil Air Patrol. He was taught and mentored by Tuskegee Airmen Grover C. Nash and Dr. Leonard Scott and proudly completed his first solo flight on his 16th birthday. He graduated Dunbar, in three years, as valedictorian, then attended Chicago Vocational High School, where he earned his Aircraft and Engineering license, then later attended Wilson Junior College.

Isaac served in classified operations in the Army Air Corpsduring the Korean War and later flew wounded soldiershome from Vietnam. He went on to a 34-year career with the Chicago Transit Authority, retiring as Director of Special Services, which he founded. There, he championed accessibility and community service. In Forest Park, Isaac dedicated himself to 30 years of service as a Neighborhood Watch Ambassador, organizing walks throughout the community, making weekly calls to members, and working closely with the Forest Park Police Department to help ensure the safety of its citizens. His lifetime of contributions was recognized with numerous honors, the most recent being a street named “Isaac Beal Way” in Forest Park and his inclusion in the Forest Park Wall of Renown.

A man of deep Christian faith, Isaac served St. Bernardine Church as a Minister of the Eucharist, Parish Council member, School Board member and volunteer. Isaac also supported local schools where he served as the President of the PTA at Hookway Grammar School, the Regional PTA President, and the PTA President of Lindblom High School. He also devoted countless hours of his time and talent to St. Ignatius College Prep, where he and Mary Beth received the Deborah M. Springer Award for outstanding service.

Isaac enjoyed reading the Bible, family, telling stories, gardening, walking, animals of all kinds—especially birds, and flying planes. He always found joy in God’s creation and the freedom of the skies. Isaac’s spirit will forever remain a constant presence in our lives as a reminder to love generously and serve humbly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union (https://action.aclu.org/give/now) OR to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry c/o St. Luke and St. Bernardine Parish (https://slsrf.ejoinme.org/stvincentdepaul or cash/checksent to 528 Lathrop Ave, River Forest, IL 60305, in memory of Isaac Beal)

Visitation: Friday, March 20, 2026, 3:00–8:00 PM, Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home, 7319 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130.

Funeral Mass: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 11:00 AM, St. Bernardine Church, 815 Elgin Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130.

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