John Gerard ‘Jack’ Becker, 61, of Port Orange, Fla.
PORT ORANGE, FLA.
» John Gerard “Jack” Becker, 61, formerly of Port Ewen and Kingston, passed away while in the comforting presence of his family on Saturday, June 24, 2017, in Port Orange, Fla., following a brief battle with liver cancer.
Jack was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Jan. 26, 1956; a son of the late John W. “Wally” and Eleanor Becker. A graduate of Kingston High School class of 74, he earned a Bachelors in Business Administration from SUNY Plattsburgh.
Jack was employed as sales consultant for most of his adult life, for various businesses including The Daily Freeman, Poughkeepsie Journal, Liberty Security Services, Luminary Publishing (Chronogram), and before moving to Florida in 2016, for Scanlons On-Site Cleaners. In his younger years, he was employed by Maddens TV and Radio, IBM Poughkeepsie, and sold Motorola pagers, Rainbow vacuum cleaners, and ads for The Yellow Pages.
Jack was a parishioner, and in his younger years an altar server, for The Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Port Ewen. He also attended mass at St. Mary’s Church, Kingston, and was a member of many organizations, which included the Ulster Ancient Order of Hibernians, Kiwanis Club of Kingston, Sons of the American Legion Post 150, Moose Club Lodge 970 Port Ewen, and Ulster Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Known for his infectious smile and personality, Jack loved to travel, attend concerts, and socialize with his many dear friends.
He is survived by one brother, Fred Becker, and his wife Anna, of Port Orange, Fla.; two nieces, Kristin and Nicole Becker of Kingston; one great-niece, Keaylah; one great-nephew, K’vion; and his goddaughter, Tessa Wood, all of Kingston. In addition, he leaves behind so many loving friends to cherish his memory.
Jack’s family will receive friends during memorial visitation at the Gilpatric-VanVliet Funeral Home, 339 Broadway, Ulster Park, Town of Esopus, on Sunday, July 9, 2017, from 1 to 4 p.m.
A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 10, 2017, at The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 209 Hoyt St., Port Ewen, Pastor Carl D. Johnson, celebrant. Inurnment will follow in the family plot at Montrepose Cemetery.
In lieu of fresh flowers, the family suggests indoor plants for loved ones to take home and nurture in memory of Jack.
To send the family an expression of condolence, visit Jack’s Book of Memories: www.GVVFH.com