Bernhard Henry Becker

Bernhard “Ben” Henry Becker, 88, passed away peacefully on Feb 25, 2023 after a brief illness.

Ben was born in 1934 in St. Louis, Missouri to parents of German descent, Bernhard Heinrich Becker (1890-1972) and Marie (Schweitzer) Becker (1903-1991). There, he graduated from Christian Brothers College High School, in 1952.  Ben briefly attended University of MO, Columbia before enlisting in the Navy in 1954 as a electronics technician on the submarine USS IREX. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, Ben applied his electronics expertise as a computer troubleshooter (think rooms of computers in those days) for RCA, Hartford Connecticut in 1960. A 32-year career in computers took him from New Jersey, to Missouri, to Westfield, Massachusetts. Not willing to sit still in retirement, Ben pursued several part time occupations; Florida School Bus driver, Senior Center driver, Rhode Island School Bus monitor, Portsmouth Transfer Station operator and volunteer tax preparer for Senior Citizens. 

While in the Navy, Ben met Mary Lee Griffin (1939-1973) and they were married in 1959. Ben is survived by their three children Jerilyn Devin and her husband Steve, Gregory Becker and his wife Paula (Clark) and Heidi Becker.

Ben married Catherine Handy (Hickey) (1932-2009) in 1976. Ben and Catherine continued building their family by bringing together Ben’s children with Catherine’s children, Roberta Whitney, Cornelia Gonsalves and her husband Paul and Mary Zimmerman and her husband Ron.

Ben is forever cherished and remembered by his 10  grandchildren Sean, Connor, Erin, Collin, Casey, Catherine, Sarah, Ian, Stephen and Paige.  Whether it was teaching them to fish or go hunting for shark teeth on Florida’s Venice beach, Ben treasured his time spent with his grandchildren. 

An preeminent problem solver, “Mr. Fix-It” Ben was well known for being able to repair anything, be it cars or plumbing or wiring in his house. He was always tinkering and expanding his skills. He was also a life long New England sports fan. He truly enjoyed “his” Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and Bruins. Ben also enjoyed spending his spare time square dancing, bird watching and rating sunsets.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, March 3rd, 10 AM at St. Mary's Church, 330 Wood Street, Bristol.

The family would like to acknowledge the exceptional care provide by Rhode Island Hospital Neurology Department and HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center.  If you feel compelled, please consider a donation to either Rhode Island Hospital giving.lifespan.org or the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center  www.hopehealthco.org/ways-to-give/donatenow/ in Ben Becker’s name.

Arrangements are with the George C. Lima Funeral Home.

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