Obituary of Nelson Michael Beard

Nelson Michael Beard, beloved elementary teacher, age 35 of Olean, died unexpectedly at his residence on Sunday February 12, 2017. Nelson was born October 23, 1981 in Goldsboro, NC, the son of Nelson L. and Margaret (Seiver) Beard of Youngstown, NY. He was a 2000 graduate of Lewiston-Porter High School and graduated summa cum laude from Ithaca College with his Bachelor's Degree in English Literature. Nelson then received his Master's in Education from Niagara University. He taught in South Korea, China, and Hoke County, NC for a number of years before joining the teaching staff of the Salamanca School District in 2014 where he taught first, second, and most recently sixth grade classes. Deeply involved in all facets of the school's community, he was a member of the technology community, the building improvement teams and instructional teams of both elementary buildings, as well as part of the district's professional development cabinet. Nelson's dedication, attitude and professionalism prompted the Salamanca School Board to vote unanimously to posthumously grant him tenure. Nelson loved cooking, fishing, and the outdoors. He especially loved his dog "Roy". In addition to his parents he is survived by his sister, Madeleine Beard (David Spurgat). He was the grandson of the late Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd W. Seiver of Wellsboro, PA. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Sunday from 2 - 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 20, at 10:00 am in St. Bernard RC Church, Hinman & Second Sts., Youngstown, with the Rev. Msgr. Thomas Moran officiating. (Please assemble at Church). Burial will follow in the Oakland Rural Cemetery, Lake Rd. Youngstown, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Nelson Beard Memorial Trust, (payable to and C/O) Salamanca City School District, 50 Iroquois Dr., Salamanca, NY 14779. .