Bruce Becker M.D.

BLOOMSBURG - Bruce Becker, MD, 56, of 301 Oak Lane, was stricken while jogging on River Road, Bloomsburg, on Saturday, July 26, 2008, and was pronounced dead at 9:15 a.m.
He was born Nov. 9, 1951, in Passaic, N.J., a son of Anna (Gobbo) Becker of Sunbury, and the late Chester Becker. He resided in Bloomsburg since 1982.
A 1969 graduate of Garfield High School, Garfield, N.J. , he also graduated from St. Vincent's College, Latrobe, where he received highest honors in chemistry and was the recipient of the academic award for excellence in chemistry. He received his medical degree from Bowan Gray Medical School at Wake Forrest University, Winston-Salem, N.C. Following college, Dr. Becker was a medical officer for the Navy for six years.
Dr. Becker was a family practitioner for 18 years at the Bloomsburg Hospital where he enjoyed delivering babies and caring for his patients, who became almost like family to him. From 2000 to 2005, he was employed in emergency rooms at area hospitals. Since Oct. 31, 2005, he was employed as a medical officer at the Federal Penitentiary at Lewisburg.
He was a member of St. Columbia Catholic Church, Bloomsburg and attended his wife's church, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Bloomsburg, where he was Chairperson of the Church Board.
His professional memberships included the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Association, Pennsylvania Medical Association, and the American Board of Physician Specialties, Family Practice. In additon, he also published articles in various medical journals and spoke and taught at medical conferences. He received the Fellowship of the American Academy of Family Physicians award in 1989 and for many years he received the American Medical Associations "Physician Recognition Award" with special commendation for self directed learning.
Dr. Becker was a member of the Bloomsburg High School Booster Association. He also was an avid reader, particularly of Shakespeare and enjoyed listening to classical music. He fpursued various fitness hobbies including body building and running.
Bruce long held as important his faith in God and love of his family. He was always ready to help someone in need.
Surviving in addition to his mother, is his wife, the former Kathy L. Keifer, with whom he would have celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary on July 30; three daughters and one son-in-law, Andira and James W. Dodge of Orangeville, Lori Becker of Mifflinville, and Aimee Becker, at home; three step-children, Melanie Readler of Berwick, Christopher Peters of Norfolk, Va., and Jennifer Peters of Sunbury; three grandchildren, Benjamin Dodge, Jessica Dodge, and Megan Readler; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Chester Becker, Jr., of Towanda, and Mark and Helen Becker of Turbotville; and one sister, Barbara Ann Becker of Destin, Fla.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday with Christian Wake service at 8, at the Dean W. Kriner, Inc. Funeral Home, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 101 E. Fifth St., Bloomsburg, followed by a funeral service at 11, with his pastor, the Rev. Ralph B. Hartenbach, officiating.
Interment in Old Rosemont Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 101 E. Fifth St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815.