Frederick Becker Jr.

Berkley Heights, NJ

Frederick Becker Jr., 97, of Berkley Heights, NJ, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at RWJ University Hospital in Somerville. Born in East Orange, NJ, Fred resided in Milburn before moving to Berkley Heights 70 years ago.

Fred graduated from Milburn High School, Class of 1943.

After graduation, Fred attended Newark College of Engineering but enlisted on December 7, 1943 in the Army Air Forces Base Unit. He was stationed at Tyndall Field in Florida until his honorable discharge on October 30, 1945. Fred attended both Rutgers University and the University of Missouri before beginning his career at New Jersey Bell in 1953 where he was a Telecommunications Specialist. He was most proud of his work with the Telstar satellite in 1961. He and his team provided the landline facilities for this pioneering communication satellite between Bell Labs Holmdel and the transmission towers. Fred worked for NJ Bell for 35 years before retiring in 1988.

Fred loved to read, do crossword puzzles, and watch Jeopardy every night. He was a fan of attending shows at the Papermill Playhouse and watching the Carolina Panther games, where he was always the loudest in the room. Fred had many hobbies, but was most passionate about bird watching and traveling to exciting destinations including Costa Rica and Panama. He channeled his love of adventure into becoming a student pilot and enjoyed flying as much as he could.

Fred's vacation home in Barnegat Light, LBI was one of his favorite places to spend time because he enjoyed sailing and tracking how the beach changed from year to year. At home, he always found a way to keep himself busy by fixing anything that needed repair. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending quality time with his family, including his grand dog, Riley and his grand cat, Rossi.

Another essential part of Fred's life was his church family at Diamond Hill United Methodist Church, where he was a member for over 50 years. At Diamond Hill, Fred was an usher and put his "fixit" skills to work as a handyman, while his wife Peggy was the music director and organist. He was immensely proud of Peggy's beautiful contributions to the church services. Fred loved being part of his church community and even served on the Board of Trustees. His community grew when Diamond Hill merged with New Providence United Methodist Church in 2017 and he continued to worship faithfully for the rest of his life.

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Florence and Frederick Becker Sr., his wife of forty years, Margaret (Peggy) Gotham Becker (1991), and two sisters, Marilyn Becker Conway and Patricia Becker Tirrell.

Surviving are his dear son, Frederick Becker III of Mineral Springs, NC; his loving daughter, Susan Becker and husband Matt Smith of Branchburg, NJ; and two cherished grandchildren, Tim Smith and fiancée Laura Jordan and Dana Smith. He also leaves behind eight nieces and nephews and their extended families.

A memorial service will be held at New Providence United Methodist Church on December 9, 2023 at 2:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in Fred's memory to New Providence United Methodist Church or the Humane Society of the United States.