Stephen Warner Becker, 87, of Vero Beach, passed away on April 16, 2014 of complications during heart surgery.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Grace Marie Becker; son, Stephen Nelson Becker; daughter-in-law Sara Granley Becker; and three grandchildren, John Sidbury Becker, Sarah Grace Becker and Evan Granley Becker.
He was predeceased by his brother, Philip D. Becker.
Becker was born June 12, 1926 in Bayside, Queens. He was a WWII veteran, having served as a first mate in the Navy in the Pacific theater. He subsequently graduated with a bachelor’s degree from American University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
He worked as director of research for several Wall Street investment firms before starting a mutual fund, the Becker Fund, in 1969. After selling the fund, he was an investment manager for Goldman Sachs and subsequently retired from McCowan Associates.
He was very fond of his weekends in East Hampton, N.Y., where his hobbies included gardening, fishing and golf. Following his retirement, he moved to Stuart, Fla., and subsequently to Vero Beach. He also maintained a summer home in Hendersonville, N.C.
He was a devoted husband, a terrific father and a loving grandfather. Despite many health challenges over the years, he was always upbeat. He was sharp, witty and fully engaged with everyone he met.
There will be a private celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Spondylitis Association of America, at www.spondylitis.org.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory of Vero Beach. A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
