Obituary of Harold J. Becker Jr.

Just 8 days before his 93rd birthday, Harold James Becker, Jr., also known as Jim, dad, and grandpa, passed into the arms of God, peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family.

Born in 1930 in Rahway, NJ, he took full advantage of Milton Lake and surrounding creeks to launch a love of fishing, riding his bike for many miles, and stomping around in the woods until his mother, Alice Graham Becker, blew the old police whistle to call him home for dinner.

He met his wife, Marilyn Huyett Becker, through his sister, Dorothy Becker, while both women were working at Bell Labs in Murray Hill, NJ.  Jim and Marilyn were an easy match in intelligence and lifestyle. They married and began their family in 1964. This marriage was a source of comfort for them both and would have lasted 60 years this coming February.

Due to Jim’s love of the outdoors and his structural engineering experience gained at Wigton Abbott in Plainfield, he chose a beautiful wooded property in Warren, NJ, on which to design and build his family’s 2-story home, enhanced by a nearby small creek and a pond.

Jim and Marilyn had the good fortune to grow old together and support each other through the transition of old age into assisted living, and, finally, Jim’s peaceful passing. His family was one of his most cherished accomplishments.

His other great love, besides fishing, was Penn State football which he shared with his sister Dorothy, also a Penn State alumni.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his son Barry, and Barry’s wife Shanna, whom he loved like a daughter, their son Brian, his daughter Pamela, and his sister Dorothy.

Donations can be made in his name to Somerset Hills Lutheran Church in Basking Ridge.

A memorial service will be held this Sunday, October 29, at 2 p.m. in Liberty Hall (second floor) at Fellowship Village: 9000 Fellowship Village Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ. Coffee and dessert will be available afterwards.