Harry E. Becker – (90) – of 73 Steuben St., Hornell, died early Friday morning (May 25, 2012) at the Bath VA Medical Center, following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on august 6, 1921, he was the son of Charles & Florence (Raish) Becker.
Harry grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School. During WWII, Harry proudly served his country as a member of the US Army. He was a member of Company K 108th Infantry Regiment (27th Division) which later became the 40th Infantry Division in the Pacific. He participated at Guadalcanal, New Britain, Luzon, Mindanao & Leyte.
During his military career, Harry received numerous medals & awards, including the Bronze Star, American Defense Service Medal, American Service Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with Arrowhead. He also received the Good Conduct Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon, Expert Infantry Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, WWII Victory Medal and the Antarctica Service Medal.
He was a life member of the Corporal J.J. Money Post 2250 Hornell VFW and a life member of the Military Order Cooties and for over 65 years was a member of the Canisteo American Legion. One of his many hobbies was watching NASCAR.
Harry was employed as an operating engineer (operating heavy equipment) in the construction industry his entire adult life. He worked out of Local Union #545 in Rochester, NY.
Harry was preceded in death by his son, John Becker who died in 1984; 6 sisters, Mary Estella Becker, Hazel Luella Becker, Mary Henrietta Becker, Emma Fullwood, Lois Philips and Ruth Blakely; 1 brother, Carl Becker.
Surviving are 1 daughter, Kay (Roy) Burnell of Iowa; 1 son, Jim Becker of Hornell several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.
At Harry’s request there will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held at the Bath National Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
My sympathies to the family. My uncle Harry was known to be a quiet, sensitive man who always wanted you to feel better. He often did things to the benefit of my parent’s (Donald and Lillian Raish)large family. He will be remembered in my heart as someone who was always kind. RIP Uncle Harry, you will be missed.
Diane (Raish) Bro
Richmond VA
dianeerc@yahoo.com
Jim and family:
Sorry to read about Harry…I have fond memories of your Dad..and some of the stories he would tell me years ago, about his service days. May he rest in peace…God bless him today and always and may you find Comfort in God’s arms. In sympathy…Kim Wood
Jim and Kay, sorry to hear the passing of Uncle Harry. Uncle Harry was a very gentle and kind man. I remember growing up being at grandmas house for sunday dinners,he would be watching the 3 stooges.. he was a good man… My mother (lois) and Uncle Harry where very close along with Uncle Carl…. RIP Uncle Harry I will miss you but, will always hold on the great memories. <3
Love you Norma Phillips Meca
Jim and Kay,
I will always remember uncle Harry. He was so good to mom after dad died and was always there for me when i was going to college. Fred and I did recently got a chance to visit him at the bath va. he looked wonderful and appeared to be getting excellent care. he was happy and content, and very witty and funny. God Bless uncle Harry R.I.P.
WITH SYMPATHY
BRENDA,NORMA,CINDY AND FRED