Princeton , N.J.—William H. Becker, 94, died on October 20, 2018 at his home in Princeton, N.J.
Bill was born in Brooklyn on January 12, 1924 to Morris and Ethel Becker. A bright, curious, lively young boy, he played sports and possessed a natural gift for making friends. He also enjoyed being a
devoted older brother to sister Renie.
Bill graduated from high school in Rosslyn, New York and studied at Queens College. After a year in the US Navy, he attended New York University, then progressed to Virginia Commonwealth University Dental School. A newly-minted dentist in 1949, Bill settled in Norfolk,
Virginia. Some years later he was introduced to Merle Skoler, a music teacher and fellow New Yorker, on a blind date. She quickly became the love of his life; and they married in 1959, eventually raising
four sons. Bill went on to serve the Norfolk community as a dentist for over five decades. Many of his patients grew up and brought their own children to him. Bill also volunteered his services to underserved communities in Israel. After a long and satisfying career, Bill retired from dentistry at age 85. He and Merle moved north from Virginia Beach to be closer to their sons.
In Princeton, Bill built a new life, continuing to collect friends of all ages. He enjoyed family dinners, people-watching in Hinds Plaza, jaunts to Parx Casino, and playing pool, poker, and Scrabble with
his grandchildren and friends. Bill was humble, generous, loyal and a man of the highest integrity–in other words, a true mensch. He always put family and friends first. We learned from his example every day and are eternally grateful to have loved and been loved by him.
Bill is survived by his cherished wife Merle; his sons Richard (Rachel); Paul (Lori); Daniel (Madeleine); Sam (Jennifer); his sister Renie (Becker) Teitelman; and nine grandchildren: Olivia, Ben, Hannah, Joshua, Sophia, Corey, Robbie, Emily, and Kate. The family wishes to thank Bill’s dedicated caregivers and companions: Ashaki, Kayla, Jessie, Sophie, and Mary Kate as well as his poker and Scrabble buddies.
Funeral services were held at the Star of David Memorial Chapel in Princeton. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation at www.alzfdn.org