March 30, 2013

In Memoriam: William George Becker, Jr.

Our friend and former partner, Bill Becker, Jr., 82, passed away on February 25, 2013. Bill's wife of 50 years, Patricia, passed away in February 2012. Bill is survived by his two sons, Robert F. Becker, and William G. Becker III and his wife Elizabeth; and four grandchildren, Caitlyn E. Becker, Patrick W. Becker, Brook Mitchell and Isaac R. Becker. Bill was a steadfast, highly intelligent, insightful, and warm hearted individual of whom many of us have fond memories.

Bill graduated from Cornell University in 1952 and then served the next two years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was an Intelligence Officer with the National Security Agency in Washington, D.C. After receiving his law degree from Cornell Law School in 1957, Bill joined Shanley & Fisher where he practiced until his retirement 38 years later in 1995.

Bill was an active supporter of animal welfare organizations and loved all of the dogs he cared for. He also enjoyed travel on the world's finest ocean liners, was an avid reader and a historian. Bill and Patricia moved to Maine in 2004.

The family would like to thank the staff at Piper Shores, Interim Health Care and Beacon Hospice in Maine for their care of both Pat and Bill Becker over the past few years.

In accordance with Bill's wishes, his ashes will be scattered into the sea this coming summer aboard the Queen Mary 2 on a trans-Atlantic crossing. The family will hold a private reception in New Jersey this summer as well

In lieu of flowers, and in recognition of Bill's love for animals, donations may be made in his memory to:
The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland
P.O. Box 336e
Westbrook, Maine 04098
(http://www.arlgp.org/donate/)