Scarborough- William George Becker, Jr., 82, died on February 25, 2013 at Piper Shores. The son of William G. Becker, Sr., the comptroller of Isthmian Steamship Company, and Edna Schwab Becker he was born May 11, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York. For his first 20 years, Bill lived in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York where he attended Poly Prep, graduating in 1948. He next attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, graduating in 1952. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After Cornell, Bill served the next two years in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was an Intelligence Officer with the National Security Agency in Washington, D.C. Bill then returned to Cornell, graduating from Law School in 1957. At Cornell Law School, he was a member of the Board of Editors of the Cornell Law Quarterly.
In 1957, Bill joined the New Jersey/New York law firm of Shanley & Fisher (now Drinker Biddle & Reath), where he remained until his retirement 38 years later, in 1995. Bill was recognized as an excellent attorney who practiced law with intensity and innovation. He was noted by his adversaries as relentless. His practice took him across the country to various states, including a memorable case in Alaska.
Bill married Patricia Bushnell on July 31, 1961. They lived in New York City, Plainfield, NJ, Mountainside, NJ, and settled in Harding Township, NJ where they lived for more than 30 years. Mr. Becker was an active supporter of animal welfare organizations, and loved the many dogs he cared for over the years. He also enjoyed transatlantic crossings on the world’s finest ocean liners, and was an avid reader and historian on many topics. Bill took seriously the work of maintaining America as a great nation and was a prolific letter-writer to numerous politicians. After retirement, Pat and Bill took an extended and delightful tour of Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand. They moved to Maine in 2004 to be close to their family.
Mr. Becker was predeceased by his wife Patricia, of 50 years in February 2012. He is survived by his two sons; Robert F. Becker of Portland, and William G. Becker III and his wife Elizabeth of Falmouth, four grandchildren, Caitlyn E. Becker, Patrick W. Becker, Brook Mitchell and Isaac R. Becker. The family would like to thank the staff at Piper Shores, Interim Health Care and Beacon Hospice for their care of both Pat and Bill Becker over the past few years.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland.
The family will hold a private reception. Interment will be at sea this summer.
In lieu of flowers, and in recognition of Bill’s love for animals, donations may be made in his memory to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, PO Box 336, Westbrook, Maine 04098 (http://www.arlgp.org/memorials/).
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