Richard C. Becker

Richard C. Becker

Naples, FL

Richard Charles Becker, Ph.D (Dick) formerly of Naples, FL, Bonita Springs, FL, and Oak Brook, IL.

Loving husband of Magdalene "Lynn" (Kypry), born in Chicago, IL, son of the late Charles B. an Rose (Zak) Becker.

President Emeritus of Benedictine University, formerly Illinois Benedictine College (IBC), Lisle, IL.

Dick received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Fournier Institute of Technology, Lemont, IL, in 1953 and went on to receive two Master degrees, one in Math and another in Electrical Engineering before receiving his Ph.d in EE in 1959 from the University of Illinois, Urbana, IL. He also attended the Harvard School of Educational Management, Boston, MA, before becoming president of IBC. A building on the campus of Benedictine University, Lisle, IL, is named in his honor.

A former staff engineer, research scientist, Civilian scientist, and Program Manager for the Navy's Polaris Submarine Program. Director of Far Eastern Operations and then Group Vice President for the Amphenol Corporation in Oak Brook, IL. Chief Executive Officer of Fortune International Enterprises in Oak Brook, IL. More recently, he received the American Flag flown over the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., and a citation for his invaluable scientific expertise to the U.S. Navy Submarine Community and a True Patriot.

A former Professor and Trustee of Midwest College of Engineering, Lombard, IL, and a Trustee of Illinois Benedictine College. He also served on the Board of Governors of the Brook Forest Community Association of Oak Brook, IL, and was Chairman of the Council of West Suburban Colleges and International Engineering Consortium Executive Advisory Board. Served as West Suburban Academic Council President, and on the board of The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the board of the Illinois Association of Private Colleges and Universities. Dick is listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in Finance and Industry, Who's Who in Commerce and Industry, and Who's Who in American Education.

In 2005, he was named President Emeritus of the Arthur J. Schmitt Foundation of Chicago, IL, after serving 38 years, 15 years as president. The foundation created many endowments including: an endowment to the University of Illinois Chicago campus Professorial Chair in Catholic Studies, an endowment to Loyola University in Chicago, IL, for the Cardinal Benardin Cancer Research Center, and an endowment to the Chicago Theological Union.

Dick received many Honorary Degrees including those from DePaul University, Loyola University, Midwest College of Engineering, North Central College, and McDonald's Doctor of Hamburgerology. He was named an Outstanding Alumnus of the University of Illinois. He received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scours of America and is listed in the Eagle scout Roll of Honor Directory. He was a Regent for Life of the National Eagle Scout Association. Recognition for his service to the Cub Scouts of America, a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International.

Dick and Lynn moved to Bonita Springs in 1995 and he was the President of the Bonita Springs Incorporation and Transition Committee leading to the new City of Bonita Springs in 1999. He was also a member of the Financial Roundtable of Bonita Springs, the Bonita Springs Men's Club, and the Lee County Sheriff's Citizen Academy. He was a frequent speaker at the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce, and was recognized by the Bonita Springs Men's Club with an Outstanding Service Award. Dick and Lynn wrote articles in the "View From Here" section of the Bonita Banner for several years.

He was a Knight Commander with Star of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11281 and a 4th Degree Color Corps Assembly 3308 member of the Knights of Columbus of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Naples, FL. He was a Lector at St. John's parish for many years.

Dick, also known as "Papi" to his grandchildren, leaves behind Lynn, his loving wife of 64 years, his sons, Lt. Commander USN (Ret.) Richard J. "Rick" Becker and his wife Therese; Dr. Daniel P. Becker, DVM; Dr. Douglas F Becker, Ph.D and his wife Jeanne; Steven G. Becker and his wife Susan; and his daughter Pamela J. Radcliff and her husband Donald L. Radcliff.

Grandchildren: Andrew Joseph and Nicole Marie Becker; Richlyn Lea, Ashley (Frank Heredeen) and John Radcliff (Sarah). Many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his sister Arlene M. Stafford and her husband Joseph (Placerville, CA) and by his brother-in-law Raymond J. Kypry and his wife Irene (Cicero, IL).

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 11, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home 28300 So. Tamiami Tr. Bonita Springs.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 12:00 noon at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 625 111th Ave. No., Naples, FL. Burial will follow in St. John's Memorial Garden.

The family would like to request and would appreciate donations to the Richard C. and Lynn Becker Scholarship Fund at Benedictine University, 5700 College Rd., Lisle, IL 60532. www.ben.edu.

To sign his guest book or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com

Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned Since 1978.