Lester Scott Becker (Les) was born in 1950 in Brooklyn, New York to Gloria and Horace Becker. Raised for several years on Long Island, he was joined by a brother Steven and a sister June. The family moved to Pittsford, New York where Les developed his love of the outdoors, sailing on Lake Canandaigua, camping and canoeing in the Adirondack Mountains, and skiing on the local slopes. He swam for his high school swim team and earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Les attended Bucknell University where he met his wife, Joan, graduating in 1972 with a degree in English. He moved to Boston to attend Northeastern University School of Law. After graduation and admission to the bar, Les moved with his wife and baby daughter Carrie to western Pennsylvania to practice law; a second daughter Katherine (Katie) soon joined the family. Les spent nearly 20 years raising his children there, practicing law, and being involved with the community.
When 9/11 occurred, Les felt he had to do something to directly serve his country. He retired from the law and went to work for the Transportation Security Administration working at Dulles Airport in Virginia to help secure aviation safety. He made many friends there and was tremendously proud of his coworkers and their accomplishments. He continued his love of the outdoors, sailing several times on the Maine coastal schooner The Angelique and biking and kayaking along the Chesapeake Bay. He also fulfilled a long-time dream of visiting his relatives in Sequim, Washington, and Fairbanks, Alaska.
Les was a kind and caring individual who would lend a helping hand to anyone who needed one. He put service before self always, but his greatest love was for his family. One of his proudest accomplishments was taking each of his five grandchildren to Disney World on their 10th birthday. Les is survived by his wife of 51 years; his daughters Carrie Becker and Katie Rembert and her husband, James (Alex) Rembert; his grandchildren Tyler, Peyton, and Brady Mellott, and Jorja and Carter Rembert; brother Steven Becker and his wife Wende; sister June Becker; sister-in-law Sarah Mundrane; brother-in-law Robert Mundrane and his wife Joanne; five nephews Alex, Andrew and Avery Becker, and Eric and Aaron Battino; as well as many cousins.
While Les’ wishes regarding his death were indeed simple and low-key, his message for the world would be: “Care for one another, share what you have with others in need, and always strive to do your best.” So fly high, and we will look for your shooting star.
