Stanley R. Becker ’40, a retired developer and investor for whom the College’s career planning center is named, died Saturday. He was 89.
A memorial service was held Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Yardley and Pino Funeral Home, 94 Pantigo Road, East Hampton, N.Y.
Becker twice funded the renovation of the former Old Gymnasium. In 1981, the building was dedicated as the Stanley R. Becker Hall, home to Admissions and Financial Aid. In 2002, after he funded a conversion, the building was re-dedicated as the Stanley R. Becker Career Center.
Becker once gave the following career advice: “Select a field of employment that you will get great pleasure from, stay with it and work hard because the competition out there is keen.”
In 1978, Becker established the Stanley R. Becker Scholarship, to juniors and seniors in political science who show a promise of contributing to the public good.
He received an honorary degree from the College in 1980, and the Alumni Gold Medal in 2000. He also served as class head agent, chairman of the Annual Fund, and member of the Trustee Board of Advisors, the national committee for the Campaign for Union and the Terrace Council.
Becker, who earned his bachelor’s degree in science, joined the Department of the Interior as a junior topographer after graduation. He joined the Navy in 1942 and was commissioned as an ensign. When he left the service in 1945, he began as a junior construction supervisor on Long Island. As a self-employed builder and real estate developer, he owned the Beckitt Construction Corp. and was owner and operator of Howard Johnson Motor Lodges in Stratford and Hartford, Conn., and at JFK Airport in New York City. In 1969, he was elected chairman of the board of Howard Johnson National Operators Council. He retired in 1984 and formed Stanley R. Becker Investments.
Among his community activities, he was on the board of directors of the East Hampton Healthcare Foundation, president of Halsey’s Marina of East Hampton, N.Y.; on the board of governors of the Saugatuck Harbor (Conn.) Yacht Club; and past president of the Rotary Club at JFK Airport.
His interests included trans-Atlantic sailing and collecting historical documents and nautical antiques.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Ann; three daughters, Hilary Oran, Joni Becker and Betsy Salinger; two stepchildren, Michael and Kim; and seven grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The East Hampton Healthcare Foundation, 200 Pantigo Place, East Hampton, N.Y. 11937 and UJA-Federation of New York.