Raymond Becker

RUTLAND – Raymond J. Becker, Jr., 70, of Rutland, passed away peacefully with his loving wife and two children by his side on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester. Born and raised in Worcester, Ray was the son of the late Raymond J. and Alyce R. (Enright) Becker.Ray graduated from North High School in 1964 and later from Worcester Industrial Technical Institute. On November 7, 1970, Ray married the love of his life, Mary St. George, at St. Joseph’s Church in Auburn. They moved to Rutland the following year and spent the next 46 years raising their family together and embracing their community and church. Ray retired in 1994 as an Area Operations Manager for Verizon Communications after 26 years of service. He remained a consultant for Verizon for several years after his retirement.Ray loved the Town of Rutland! He served on the Conservation Commission from 1976-1980; the Board of Selectmen from 1980-1998; the Committee to Retain Rutland Heights Hospital in 1981; Civil Defense Director in 1985 and 1987; the Communication Committee from 1985-1987; Representative to the South Central Elderbus Authority from 1994-1995; various school building committees in 1994, 1997, 1998 and 1999; the Building Needs Study Committee in 1994; the School Facilities Building Committee in 1996; and the Representative to the Worcester Country Transit Authority in 1996. His most recent contribution was serving on Rutland’s Cable Advisory Committee since 2013.Ray was a lifetime car enthusiast. He could be found working on his 1929 Model A Ford which he completely restored, as well as his 1941 Chevy street rod and 1988 Pontiac Fiero. Ray could tell you the make, model, year and drivetrain of virtually any car and could rarely be stumped on automobile trivia. He was a member of the Worcester County Model A Club, the National Street Rod Association and the Fiero Owners Club of New England. He enjoyed sharing his passion of attending various car events throughout the country with his son, Joe, grandson, Tommy and many close car buddies.The Becker family fondly remembers spending summers in Wells, Maine for nearly 30 years. After taking an early retirement, Ray and Mary spent 19 years wintering at The Villages in Florida.Ray’s life was centered on his strong faith and love for his family. He was an active member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Rutland and served as one of its first Eucharistic Minsters. He also served as a lector, co-chaired the Bishop’s Fund for many years and served on the parish council. Ray was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, godfather, uncle and friend. He will be remembered for his gentle and kind spirit, sensational sense of humor and giving nature. They say that “a great dad gets promoted to Grampa,” a role that Ray welcomed and embraced.Ray leaves his wife of 47 years, Mary E. (St. George) Becker; his daughter, Colleen M. Berard and her husband, Peter of Mystic, CT; his son, Joseph R. Becker and his wife Laurie of Rutland; and four grandchildren, Thomas and Julianne Becker, and William and Kaileen Berard. He also leaves many beloved extended family members.Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Ray’s family from 5pm to 8 pm on Friday, April 7, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am on Saturday, April 8, at St. Patrick’s Church, 258 Main St., Rutland. Interment will be held privately later this spring at Rural Cemetery in Rutland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick’s Parish, 258 Main St., Rutland, MA 01543, or the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit our "Guest Book" here on this page.