Isaac Samuel Beal

Isaac Samuel Beal, a cherished pillar of the Forest Park community, passed peacefully at his home in Forest Park, Illinois, on March 8, 2026, at the age of 91.

Born on November 4, 1934, in Hermanville, Mississippi, Isaac lived a life defined by service, faith, and deep dedication to family and community. A graduate of Dunbar High School, he was a captain in the Illinois Civil Air Patrol, mentored by Tuskegee Airmen Grover C. Nash and Dr. Leonard Scott. He completed his first solo flight on his 16th birthday, graduated as valedictorian in three years, and went on to earn his Aircraft and Engineering license at Chicago Vocational High School before attending Wilson Junior College. He served in classified operations in the Army Air Corps during the Korean War and later flew wounded soldiers home from Vietnam. Isaac enjoyed a 34-year career with the Chicago Transit Authority, retiring as Director of Special Services, which he founded, where he championed accessibility and community service.

In Forest Park, he devoted 30 years as a Neighborhood Watch Ambassador, organizing community walks, making weekly calls to members, and working closely with the Forest Park Police Department to ensure the safety of its citizens. His many contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including a street named “Isaac Beal Way” and his induction into 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. He also served as PTA President at Hookway Grammar School, Regional PTA President, and PTA President of Lindblom High School, while devoting many hours to St. Ignatius College Prep, where he and his wife received the Deborah M. Springer Award for outstanding service.

Isaac 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 and her partner Carl, and Kate Beal and her partner Adam Tiagonce. He was a proud grandfather to Hosea, Isaac, Alina, and Amelia. He is also survived by his sister, Amelda Parker, along with many brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. 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.

Isaac found joy in reading the Bible, spending time with family, telling stories, gardening, walking, caring for animals—especially birds—and flying planes. He will be remembered for his generous love and humble service, a spirit that remains a constant and inspiring presence in the lives of all who knew him.