Melvin Becker

Melvin (Mel) Becker peacefully passed away in Denver, CO, on February 25, 2015 at the age of 90. Mel was born on March 31, 1924 in Boston, Massachusetts to Daniel and Anna Becker.

Mel attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology and completed additional college-level courses in finance, law and computer science. Mels time was interrupted at MIT as he served as a Second-Lieutenant in the Corp of Army Engineers during WWII. While in Europe, he met and married Cecile “Inge” Bertschy of Basel, Switzerland in Miramas, France in June, 1946. They remained married until Inges death in 2014. Upon returning from the war, Inge and Mel moved to Boston and Mel completed his last 2 years at MIT. Mels entire business career was with the Bethlehem Steel Corporation where he started as an Engineer Trainee in 1947 and retired as VP of the Bethlehem Steels International Engineering Office in 1979. His jobs at Bethlehem Steel relocated him and his family to Baltimore, MD, Bethlehem, PA and Johnstown, PA.

Mr. Becker was a member of the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers and the American Iron and Steel Institute. He also held a professional engineers license in Maryland.

Mel has three children: Bruce, Karen and Mark. His family was extremely active driven by Mels enthusiasm for skiing, golf, tennis, walking and traveling. Mel quit skiing at 79 when he broke a hip but played golf well into his 80s. He tried very hard to foster his love of golf in his children and grandchildren. Many golf outing with him consisted of a barrage of golf tips, i.e. “keep your head down”, “swing through the ball”, “dont try to kill it”. He probably had many frustrating moments trying to impress this upon many of us. He loved playing bridge, dancing, attending social events, talking with people and dabbling in the stock market.

Mel is survived by his children and grandchildren, Bruce and Nancy Becker and children, Brian and Gretchen of Bethlehem, PA; Karen and Tom Richardson and children, Josh, Chris, Marc and Samantha of Denver, CO; and Mark Becker of Aliso Viejo, CA. He is also survived by his brother, Jack Becker and his wife, Sharon of Phoenix, AZ.

A Memorial Service to honor Mel Becker will be held on Friday, June 26, 2015 at the Unitarian Church at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments will follow.

A Memorial fund has been established for Mel Becker. Donations may be sent to Renee Herrera/Development Information Coordinator/Alzheimers Association of Colorado/455 Sherman St. /Suite 500/ Denver, CO 80203.

Mel was a great man. He was honest, kind and loving and lived life to the fullest. We are all better off for knowing him.

Memorial Service
Friday, June 26, 2015
2:30 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley
424 Center St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531