Richard H. Becker, educator

Posted 9/21/11

Richard H. Becker, 85, formerly of Chestnut Hill, a retired principal in the Philadelphia school district, died of cancer Sept. 6 at Foulkeways in Gwynedd, where he had been a resident for the past …

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Richard H. Becker, educator

Posted

Richard H. Becker, 85, formerly of Chestnut Hill, a retired principal in the Philadelphia school district, died of cancer Sept. 6 at Foulkeways in Gwynedd, where he had been a resident for the past two years.

Mr. Becker had served in multiple administrative posts in the district, including principal of both George Nebinger School and Franklin School. He also served in the District 3 office in South Philadelphia.

Long active in the Chestnut Hill community, he was the founder of Teenagers Inc. in 1996 and was co-chairman of the organization’s board at the time of his death. He was a longtime member of the board of the Chestnut Hill Community Association and had served on many of its committees.

For their work with young people in the area, Mr. Becker and his wife, Jane, were presented with the Chestnut Hill Award in 2000.

Raised in Upper Darby, he was a graduate of West Catholic High School and served in the Army during World War II. After the war, he received a bachelor’s degree from what is now LaSalle University and a master’s degree from Temple University.

He was a past president of the LaSalle University Alumni Association and a former member of the university’s board of trustees.

In addition to his wife of 56 years, Mr. Becker is survived by a son, Richard K.; a daughter, Ann Marie Gross, and three grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 12 at Our Mother of Consolation Church, 9 E. Chestnut Hill Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118. Memorial donations may be made to the above church or to LaSalle University at 1900 W. Olney Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19141. – WF

 

 

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