Bruce Becker, 82, of Walton, NY passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on April 11,

2024.

Bruce was born on May 27, 1941 to Frederick L. Becker Sr. and Annette T. (nee Mirabella)

Becker in Jersey City, NJ. Bruce attended Dickinson High School in Jersey City and graduated

from Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale, NJ. He received a degree in illustration from

New York Phoenix School of Design in New York City and went on to become a scenic artist,

painting sets for stage, movies, and television.

While studying for his scenic artist exam, he worked as a projectionist at the Pascack Theatre in

Westwood, NJ. It was there he met the love of his life, Gretchen. Early in their 43 years of

marriage, they decided to move their family to a beautiful piece of land Bruce discovered many

years earlier in Walton, NY.

Bruce enjoyed spending time with his family, working on projects around the house, and chatting

with friends new and old. His hobbies included model airplanes, taking the Corvette for a spin,

and wowing his grandchildren with his Lionel train layout. He loved playing the accordion for

his grandchildren, for friends and family get-togethers, or whenever the mood struck him. He

enjoyed serendipitous moments in life, finding connections and commonalities with almost

anyone, even strangers.

Bruce was active in the community for many years, especially after retirement. He served on the

Walton Central School Board and was a member of the Walton Lions Club and the Walton

Masonic Lodge. He was also a substitute teacher at Walton Central School where he enjoyed

connecting with the students; he said it kept him young.

Bruce's passion for art and sharing it with others continued throughout his life. He spent many

years volunteering for the Walton Central School Drama Department helping students design,

build, and paint stage sets for plays and musicals. He was also a judge for the Delaware County

Fair art show and was a respite projectionist for the Walton Theatre. Bruce continued to paint

and share his artwork with those he loved up until his death.

Bruce is survived by his loving family, his wife Gretchen, his daughters Lea (Thomas) Cassidy

of Orono, ME, Amy (Ryan) Zujovic of Guilderland, NY, Dara (Gary) Ribis of Albany, NY,

grandchildren Gwen and Emmett Cassidy and Barry Ribis, and many loving nieces, nephews,

cousins, and friends.

Bruce was predeceased by his parents Frederick and Annette Becker, brothers Baron G. Becker

and Frederick L. Becker, Jr., sister Joan Magrini, and niece Stephanie Savage.

The family will hold a private memorial service to celebrate Bruce's life.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bruce's name to Walton Dollars for Scholars

(walton.dollarsforscholars.org or C/O Walton Central School 47-49 Stockton Ave. Walton, NY

13856).

Arrangements are with Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton, NY. Expressions

of sympathy may be made online by visiting www.courtneyfh.com