Richard J. Becker

Richard J. Becker, 87, of Myrtle Beach, SC-formerly of Somersworth, NH-passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 4, 2025, at Grand Strand Medical Center following a short illness.
He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Elaine Becker of Myrtle Beach, SC; his daughter Debra Lane and her husband Michael of Dover, NH; his son Jeff Becker and wife Karen of Wrentham, MA; and his beloved grandchildren Isabel and Jack Becker. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Carolyn Becker of Saco, ME; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carol and David LaFond of Hilo, HI; sister-in-law Betty Fadley of Somersworth, NH; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Rich was predeceased by his first wife, Estelle; his son, Brian; his sister and brother-in-law, Liz and Keith Sansone; and his grandchildren Jennifer and Mark Noel.
Born on March 14, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Richard was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Helen) Becker. He grew up in Pittsburgh with his sister Liz and attended Catholic school through graduation. At 17, Rich enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Pease Air Force Base in Newington, NH-beginning a lifelong connection to the Seacoast area, where he lived for over 50 years.
While still in the Air Force, he met his first wife Estelle. They married and shared 52 wonderful years together, raising their three children-Debbie, Brian, and Jeff-in their cherished Somersworth community. After his military service, Rich built a distinguished 37-year career at GE Corporation in Somersworth, rising from machine operator to manager. Known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and integrity, he was deeply respected by all who worked with him. Rich and Estelle shared a love of theater, Broadway, and live music-especially warm evenings spent at outdoor concerts. Following his retirement, they traveled together and enjoyed trips of a lifetime to Europe, Canada, and Hawaii, eventually becoming snowbirds and trading snowy winters for palm trees in Garden City, SC.
In later years, Rich remarried and shared 12 happy years with his wife Elaine. They first lived in New Hampshire and then moved to South Carolina year round, eventually settling at Arbor Landing, a senior living community where they enjoyed life, laughter, and sunshine together until his final day.
A proud New England sports fan, Rich was never far from a game-whether on the radio or television. A devout Catholic, he lived a life guided by faith and service, often volunteering in his community and never saying no to baking a cake for church functions using his famous depression-era "wowie cake" recipe. He had a deep love for his country, cooking (his Thanksgiving dinners and chicken pot pies were legendary), reading- especially about American history, early morning walks, Market Basket's unbeatable prices, and his trusty iPad. Never one to shy away from a project, Rich believed there wasn't a home or car repair he couldn't figure out and loved learning how to handle a task himself- and better yet, getting to teach someone else.
Those who knew Rich will remember his passion for conversation, his endless curiosity, and his unwavering commitment to family. He was a man who always had a plan-keeping to it "like a German train schedule." He was the first to lend a hand, the first to send a birthday card (always early), and never one to enter a room quietly-his presence was always known and always welcome.
"God bless America, land that I love." - Irving Berlin
"Keep busy at something; a busy person never has time to be unhappy."- Robert Louis Stevenson
"The song is ended, but the melody lingers on." - Irving Berlin
A funeral will be held on Monday, June 23rd at 10:30 a.m.at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish St. Martin Church, 120 Maple Street, Somersworth, NH, followed by a burial service at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Maple Street, Somersworth.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Disabled American Veterans at dav.org.