Lawrence W. "Larry" Becker

Lawrence W. Becker, Educator, Headmaster, and Lifelong Mentor
Lawrence W. Becker, devoted teacher, head of school, and mentor whose career shaped
generations of students and schools, died on October 11, 2025 in Naples, Florida. He was 83.
Known for his warmth, wit, and unwavering dedication to education, he leaves a legacy of
scholarship, leadership, and meaningful relationships.
Born on November 16, 1941, in Albany, New York, to Randall D. and Hilda (Meuser) Becker,
Larry graduated from Schoharie Central High School in 1959 and left the family farm for
Amherst College.
Larry credited Amherst with opening new worlds for him: he excelled academically, formed
lifelong friendships, and discovered a passion for teaching and mentorship that would define his
life. As a student, he balanced diligence with a playful sense of humor, navigating dormitory
pranks and student life with grace, and serving as a dorm proctor – a role that foreshadowed his
lifelong commitment to guiding young people.
After graduating from Amherst in 1963, Larry attended the Harvard Graduate School of
Education, earning his MAT in Mathematics, then launched his teaching career at The Hotchkiss
School in Lakeville, Conn., in 1964. At Hotchkiss he taught mathematics, coached, and lived
alongside his students in the dormitories. During this time, he co-authored a series of math
textbooks that were used in schools across the country. There he also met his future wife, Grace
Zelinka, while chaperoning a school dance – a romance celebrated by students and sealed with
a wedding in 1969 at the Ethel Walker Chapel. Together, they built a life full of love, partnership,
and shared dedication to education. Larry wore nearly every hat available at Hotchkiss during
his 22 years there, serving as Director of College Counseling, Dean of Admission and College
Counseling, Dean of the Faculty, and Assistant Headmaster.
In 1986, Larry was appointed the third headmaster of Brooks School in North Andover, Mass., a
position he held for 22 years. Even as head of school, he continued to teach calculus,
embodying his belief that leadership is most powerful when paired with hands-on engagement.
During his tenure at Brooks, Larry set the school on a strong path forward while building on the
nurturing culture established by the school's founders. After retiring from Brooks in 2008, he
brought his expertise to schools worldwide as a consultant with Carney, Sandoe & Associates,
helping identify and cultivate leaders for independent and international schools.
In retirement, Larry and Grace divided their time between Florida and Massachusetts before
settling in Bonita Springs, where he built a community of friends, shared many travel adventures
with Grace, cheered on Florida Gulf Coast University's men's basketball teams, and enjoyed
playing bridge with friends and online. He also continued his lifelong dedication to education as
a fundraiser and math tutor at New Horizons of Southwest Florida, an after-school program for
at-risk students in the area.
Predeceased by his parents, brother Alan, and sister Susan (Becker) Calabro, Larry is survived
by his wife, Grace, their beloved dog Maddie, whom he chose so Grace would never be alone,
and a wide circle of family, colleagues, and friends who will remember him for his brilliance,
warmth, and unwavering devotion to others. His life was a testament to the power of education,
mentorship, and friendship.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation of Bonita
Springs, supporting local charities, or New Horizons of Southwest Florida of Naples. A
celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date at The Hotchkiss School.