How do you express and summarize a wonderful man’s life in a few words? It’s difficult at best, but here goes a good try.
William Gerard Becker passed away Sunday, August 17, 2025. Mr. Bill, Billy Boy, Dad and Pap Pap was born in 1947 in Braddock, PA. His parents, both deceased, were William Joseph Becker and Rose Marie (Chester).
After high school graduation, he focused on his vocational path. He completed the Westinghouse Electric Apprenticeship Program (East Pittsburgh, PA) as a tool and diemaker. He then began studies to obtain a degree in Industrial Engineering.
During this time, he met his “Sweetie”, Sandra (Sandy) Valerie Jacobs and they were married in October 1968. They lovingly welcomed a daughter, Deanna Marie, in 1970. They became a family.
After several progressive changes in jobs and a move to Rochester, NY, in 1977 he accepted employment at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) in Newport News VA as an Industrial Engineer.
Virginia became his home. He and his family loved the area with its historical background, warm weather, quick access to the beach and the bounty of entertainment parks and venues available.
Over the next 30 years he moved within the NNS organization which lead to several management positions. As a Program Manager with the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) he travelled extensively to other shipyards throughout the U.S. from coast to coast introducing and implementing better ways to cost effectively streamline and enhance shipbuilding processes and productivity.
Upon retiring, Bill spent time enjoying his life at home. He was happy that his daughter and grandson lived close by and he could see them frequently. He especially liked vacationing and entertaining family and friends at the Outer Banks (OBX), NC, home cooked meals and a cold refreshing beer.
As a pet lover, he relaxed with his pets, two Westies, Willy Wonka, and Lolly Pop and cat, Mara while watching his home teams the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates or Penguins on TV.
Bill was an All-American guy. Over the years he owned a ski boat and motorcycle. At different stages in his life, he liked to water ski, hunt, fish, and joined golf and bowling leagues for fun.
Bill was a loving husband, devoted father and caring grandfather. Bill was generous, intelligent, quick witted, level headed, empathetic, and righteous. He was a good man.
Bill is survived by his caring wife of 56 years, Sandy; his daughter, Deanna Marie Becker and his grandson, Jackson Montgomery Bloomer in Newport News, VA; his sister, Marianne Trainor, in Turtle Creek, PA; sister-in-law, Loretta Megliss (John); brothers-in-law, Gregory Jacobs and John Jacobs (Alaina) in North Huntingdon, PA, along with nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bill Becker will leave an empty spot in this world that will be hard to replace.
