Michael J. Becker, age 84, of Media, PA, husband of Betty J. (Wismer) Becker and father of Khristoph A. Becker, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Riddle Memorial Hospital.
Born Joachim Michael Becker in Hamburg, Germany on June 16, 1940, he was the son of the late Joachim Wilhem and Fridel Renate (Hermann) Becker. Along with his father, he immigrated to the United States at the age of 9 following the passing of his mother. They settled in Drexel Hill, PA upon their arrival, where Mr. Becker was brought up in the home alongside his maternal grandmother, Hedwig Gruenberg-Hermann, and his maternal great-aunt, Agnes Gruenberg, who were instrumental in his upbringing. It was during these early years that his connection to The Christian Community began.
Mr. Becker was a graduate of Upper Darby High School. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in German and political science from Millersville University, and his master's in German literature from Villanova University. Mr. Becker taught German, history, and English at West Deptford High School in New Jersey, where he retired from after 33 years. During the 1975-1976 school year, he received a Fulbright Scholarship, affording him the opportunity to teach in Germany for a year, accompanied by his wife, Betty, before returning and completing his teaching career in the United States.
Mr. Becker loved spending time outdoors tending to his vegetable garden, taking care of his household property, and sitting on his porch under the shade of an old oak tree while enjoying a good book and a glass of German beer. He was an avid skier, having served as an ambassador for Killington Ski Resort in Vermont for over 20 years. He was an inveterate student of history, particularly European history, and traveled with his family to visit relatives in Germany and elsewhere nearly every year for most of his adult life. He enjoyed antiquing and collecting historical artifacts, evidenced by his collection at home. And, above all, he adored his son.
In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Becker is survived by his daughter-in-law, Avani Bhatt; two grandchildren, Rohan and Keya; a sister-in-law, Janet Wismer; and two nieces, Jill Ruth and Jocelyn Greener.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc, 610 Main Street, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 11:30 AM. Officiating will be Rev. Jong Won Choi. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Christian Community of Pennsylvania, 212 Old Lancaster Road, Devon, PA 19333. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.