Thomas E. Becker Sr. 1935-2026

He was born Nov. 28, 1935, in Wheeling, W.Va., a son of the late Joseph and Emma Hannig Becker.

He graduated from Duquesne High School in Duquesne, Pa., in 1953.

His life was marked by an unwavering commitment to Struthers, the city he proudly called home. He began his career as a mechanic at McIntee Motors and later owned and operated Tom’s Sunoco gas station on Fifth Street. His dedication to public service in Struthers spanned decades and included roles as a civil defense patrolman, auxiliary police officer, volunteer fireman, 2nd-Ward councilman, safety service director, acting fire chief, court bailiff and clerk of courts. Before retiring, he also worked for the Struthers Street Department. He continued his professional development through clerk administrator school and later served as president of the Ohio Municipal Court Clerks Association.

Thomas was deeply involved in civic, fraternal and veteran organizations throughout his life. He held life membership in the Marine Corps League and the Youngstown Saxon Club and was active with the Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary and the Youngstown Crime Clinic. He was the founding member of the Struthers ROMEOs and belonged to the Austintown Senior Center and Rolling Hills Golf League.

After relocating to Zephyrhills, Florida, he remained engaged in his community as head usher at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, a board member of Colony Hills Community and a member of the local Elks Lodge.

Music, fellowship and staying active brought him great joy. He sang with the Youngstown Men’s Chorus and was the bass singer for the Generation Gap Barbershop Quartet. An avid golfer, he continued playing until the age of 88 and was a loyal Cleveland Browns fan for 74 years.

Family was always at the heart of his life. He treasured camping trips and travel with his loved ones, and time spent together making memories. He will be remembered for his lifelong service, strong community ties and deep devotion to family.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 71 years, the former Joan Louise Gabrielcik; his son, Thomas E. (Corazon) Becker Jr.; his daughter, Theresa (Jeff) M. Cramer; granddaughter, Jennifer Melia; grandson, Jeffrey (Danielle) Cramer: great-grandson, Frank Melia III; great granddaughter, Gabriella; sister-in-law, Gail Becker Patt; along with 12 nieces and six nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Dennis and MaryAnn Becker; and his brother, Donald Becker.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Thomas S. Burkert and the staff of Patriot Hospice for their compassionate care of Thomas in his time of need.

Friends and family will be received 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers, and again 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday at Christ Our Savior Parish-St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Struthers, with Fr. Philip Rogers officiating.

He will be laid to rest in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Down Syndrome Association of the Valley, 945 Boardman-Canfield Road, Unit 12, Boardman, OH 44512, www.dsav.org, in honor of MaryAnn Becker, in memory of her grandfather; or The Rich Center for Autism, 1 University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555, 330-941-1927, in honor of Frank Melia III, in memory of his great-grandfather.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences and share your memories.

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