Robert Hugh Becker

Robert Hugh Becker of Cortez Colorado passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday November 8th at Vista Grande Rehabilitation Center. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Martha and is survived by their children Michael (and Kris) Becker, Catherine (and Thomas) Kane, Susan Becker, Marian (and Bryan) Toy, Paul Becker, Andrew Becker, Stephen (and Kristen) Becker and 10 beautiful grandchildren (Hannah, Christopher, Ethan, Peter, Kendra, Katie, Grant, Mia, Kyle, and Amelia). 

Bob was born in Greenville, Pennsylvania on July 19th, 1932, to Hugh and Louise (Heirleman) Becker. He grew up in Greenville where he attended St. Michael’s School, graduating as valedictorian in 1952. From there he continued his education at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, New York where he studied chemistry. Upon graduation in 1956, he attended the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana where he earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 1960. From there he traveled and worked in New Mexico and Wisconsin. It was while in Appleton Wisconsin, at Lawrence College, that he met Martha. They were married in Hightown New Jersey on June 22nd, 1963. Bob accepted a position teaching at (then) Gannon College in 1963 and he and Martha settled in Erie, Pennsylvania. A few years later they moved to Fairview where they raised their family. In addition to being a chemistry professor Bob worked at Calsicat as a research chemist. Bob was an active member of Holy Cross Parish and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

When Bob and Martha retired in 1997 their love of the southwest brought them to Navajo country. He and Martha spent 6 years working in St Michaels schools before they re-retired and moved out of Navajo country and settled in Cortez, CO. Bob was a member of the Senior Center Friday Afternoon Bridge Group. He volunteered at St Margaret Mary Church and contributed greatly to their adult religious education program. Bob had a deep appreciation and interest in Native American history and culture. He gave much of his time to Cortez Cultural Center and the Canyons of the Ancients Heritage Center. He touched many lives, and we were blessed to have known him.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations to be made to:

The Cortez Cultural Center

25 North Market Street

Cortez, CO. 

(970) 565-1151 ‎