ROBERT P BECKER, age 83, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 26, 2025. He was the beloved husband of the late Marie “Bunny” Becker (nee Offutt); loving father of Christine Karliak (Dan), Beth Karpuszka (Ron), Paul Becker (Lynn), and Mary Pokrywka (Rich). Twelve grandchildren were blessed to call him Poppy, Helen Becker (Erin), Kylin Emhoff, Danny Karliak, Melissa Karpuszka, Claire Karliak, Ryan Karpuszka, Colette Karliak, Nik Becker, Richie Pokrywka, Robby Karliak, Joey Pokrywka, and Abby Pokrywka. More recently Bob opened his heart to step grandchildren Lexi Conroy (Michael) and Gianni Fatica (Bailee) and enjoyed the title “Great Poppy” to Cooper Conroy. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Elizabeth Becker and brothers Jim and Ron Becker. He was loved by several nieces and nephews.
From an early age Bob enjoyed playing the saxophone, first in the St. Edward bands, then later in his brother Jim’s Big Band and eventually played in the Dan Zola Orchestra for several years. He graduated from St. Edward High School in 1960 and from John Carroll University in 1964. During his career as a CPA he was a partner for Hausser & Taylor, William Skaryd and finally Blanda Becker. He was admired and trusted by life-long clients that became friends.
Bob’s favorite “job” though was husband, father and “Poppy.” He met the love of his life, Bunny when he was in high school and after a 5 year courtship, they married the day before his college graduation. Soon after, the Becker family began to expand with the addition of 4 children over the next 10 years. Bob devoted his life to his family. His children grew up in a home full of love, music and adventure. Traveling as a family was always a priority as he and Bunny planned wonderful vacations most notably, the 30-day around the country trip of a lifetime that included 18 different states and major landmarks, and multiple trips to Disney World with his children and grandchildren. He was truly a Disney Dad!
Bob always had an interest and fascination with trains going back to the elaborate display his father had under their Christmas tree when he was growing up. He likewise created a magical holiday train display for his family’s tree and then expanded his hobby to include an extensive garden railroad layout in his backyard that was enjoyed by his grandchildren and family friends. He carefully created replicas of each of his children’s homes as well as the family home as part of the display. Bob was a member of the Northern Ohio Garden Railroad Society and enjoyed working on magnificent layouts for the holidays and expos.
In 2010 Bob took on another role as caregiver for his wife after she suffered a devastating stroke. He pledged to care for her as long as he could and he did. He was completely devoted to Bunny even after his own body began to fail. Several years ago he was diagnosed with Parkinsonism which limited his ability to walk. The family was blessed to have Bertha Safo join the family to care for Bunny first and eventually both Bob and Bunny until her death in 2021. Bertha stayed on lovingly caring for Bob right up until the end. The family will always treasure Bertha for everything she did for their parents.
Even after the struggles of dealing with his physical limitations, Bob enjoyed attending shows in the Broadway Series, sporting events and concerts. He could often be found cheering on his children and grandchildren on the stage, field or court. Bob’s son, Paul took on the labor of love bringing him to St. Wendelin’s church for Mass followed by breakfast every Sunday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be forwarded to St. Wendelin Parish. Bob was instrumental in the appeal process to Rome to reopen St. Wendelin after it was closed in 2010. His efforts, along with others, were realized when his beloved parish was reopened in 2012.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, October 1, at 11am in St. Wendelin Church, 2281 Columbus Rd. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call at the Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, 23040 Center Ridge Road from 4-8pm on Tuesday, September 30.
