John D'Arcy Becker

1939 - 2021

John D'Arcy Becker was unexpectedly called to his eternal home on Friday, May 21, 2021 at the age of 82. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floy D'Arcy and Philip John Becker. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Mary Jane Wherritt Becker. He is also survived by his children, Jay (Lesley), Brian P. (Emily) and Betsy Laborde (Gary). Also, 9 grandchildren, Brigette Bohac (Brendan), Brady, Brenna and Brooke Becker, Reece and Owen Becker, Becker Ferrer, Emeric and Aymon Laborde. He was born on February 4, 1939 in New Orleans. He graduated from Jesuit High School in 1957, then received his BS in Physics from Loyola University in 1961. He was captain of the Loyola University golf team, member of the ROTC and of Beggars fraternity. He served two and a half years as a Lieutenant in the United States Army. He earned his CLU® designation from The American College. John was founding principal and shareholder of Becker Suffern McLanahan, Ltd. His clients benefitted from his more than 60 years of professional experience. John was nationally recognized as one of the leading experts in estate planning, wealth transfer, professional corporations, and charitable giving. John wrote and lectured extensively on a variety of topics including estate planning, wealth transfer, charitable giving, and executive compensation for tax-exempt entities. He spoke to numerous professional groups around the country including the Virginia State CPA Tax Conference, Tulane University Estate Planning Institute, the Louisiana State Bar Association and numerous Estate Planning Councils. He was a life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table for more than 50 years and Top of the Table for more than 20 years, and a member of AALU. Additionally, he was past President of the New Orleans Estate Planning Council and past President of the New Orleans Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals. John was also well known from his involvement in civic and community causes including serving in leadership positions as President of the Catholic Community Foundation, Christian Health Ministries Foundation and the Willwoods Community Foundation. He also served on the boards of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, the Iberia Advisory Board, the National Conference for Community and Justice, Legatus, and as a member of the Finance Council of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and was a member of the Rex Organization among many others. He received numerous professional and civic awards ranging from the Jacques E. Yenni, S.J. Award for Community Service presented by Loyola University of the South's College of Business and the John Paul II Award from the Archdiocese of New Orleans for Lifetime of Unselfish Service, the Servus Fidelis Award from the Willwoods Community Foundation, and the Role Model Award from the Young Leadership Council of New Orleans. John was also awarded Loyola University's Adjutor Hominum Award, the highest award for Loyola Alumni. He was also a Knight of the Order of Malta and a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. He also received the Order of St. Louis Medallion from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. A visitation is scheduled on Friday, May 28 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1501 West Causeway, Mandeville, Louisiana, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:30 am. A private burial will be at Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John D. Becker Scholarship Funds at Jesuit High School and Loyola University, The Metropolitan Crime Commission, Audubon Nature Institute, Willwoods Community, the Catholic Community Foundation or the charity of your choice.