Edward Charles "Ed" Becker, Jr.

A lifelong Little Falls resident and business owner, Edward Charles "Ed" Becker, Jr., age 76, of Shells Bush Road, passed away on Friday morning, Oct. 6, 2023 at the St. Luke's Campus of the Mohawk Valley Healthcare System.  He had the love and support of his family by his side when his passing occurred.

Ed was born on Nov. 22, 1946 in Little Falls, son of the late Edward C. and Sophie (Fiederowicz) Becker and educated in Little Falls schools.  In 1964 at the age of 17, he answered the call of duty and entered the US Marine Corps. and was honorably discharged on April 1, 1967, three years of faithful service and duty to our country serving during the Vietnam Conflict.  On July 27, 1968, Ed married Karen Colangelo; a union of 55 years.  In 1975, the Becker family started “Ed’s Garage” out of their home in Little Falls and Ed ended up taking over the business from his dad and uncle, “Becker’s Garage” on the South Side of Little Falls in 1989. 

A community minded individual, Ed belonged to the Little Falls American Legion Post 31, Little Falls VFW, Little Falls Polish Home, Dolgeville Rod and Gun Club and the Little Falls Elks Lodge 42.  Ed was a people person and enjoyed social events and gathering with his loved ones. He enjoyed spending time at his camp on Half Moon Beach at Piseco Lake with his family and his lifelong friend, Jimmy Cotter.  He was an incredibly talented auto mechanic who was passionate about his country, his cars, and his gun collection.  A man of many roles, he was a loving father and grandfather and a great friend to many. His grandchildren made him feel better whenever they were around him. In every aspect of his life, Ed’s attributes were stellar ~ as a soldier in his military life, a loving patriarch in his family life, and an honest, hard-working man in his professional life.  He will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. 

Survivors include his cherished family, his wife Karen at home, his children, Edward Becker, III and wife Lori of Little Falls and Melissa Petrie and husband Rick of Little Falls; adored grandchildren, Jaime Becker, Jenna Becker, Hannah Becker and Madison Petrie; his siblings, Janet Johnston, Barbara Longacre and husband Mike, Pat Becker and her partner, Bill and Pam Becker and husband John; sisters in law, Lois Ackerman, Joanne Brown and husband Bob, and Susan Colangelo; many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Tom Johnston, Mary and Wishy Colangelo, Gary Colangelo and Jim Ackerman.

The family will gather privately to have their goodbyes at Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, between Little Falls and St. Johnsville, 315-508-5131.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Ed’s Mass of Christian Burial commencing at 11 am on Thursday, Oct 12 from Holy Family Parish, corner of E. Main and John Sts., Little Falls with the Rev. Brian Slezak, pastor, officiating.  Procession will follow to St. Mary’s Cemetery, town of Herkimer where Ed will be laid to rest.  The US Marine Corps will offer military honors.  All are also invited to pay their respects to the Becker family at a celebration of Ed’s life following the burial service at the Little Falls Elks Lodge, beginning at 1:30 pm.  Kindly consider memorial contributions to the Sitrin Warrior Veteran Program, 2050 Tilden Avenue, PO Box 1000, New Hartford, NY 13413-1000 or to American Heart Association, 125 Business Park Dr., #106, Utica, NY 13502.