Loving father and avid outdoorsman, Frederick (Rick) T. Becker passed away on Sunday, June 17, 2012 in his Stirling, New Jersey home of natural causes. Born in Key West, Florida on April 19, 1948, Rick was the eldest son of retired Naval Captain Frederick B. Becker (deceased) and Anne Becker-Decker.

As the son of a Naval officer, Rick spent his early years on and around naval bases from Key West to Honolulu. By the time he was in high school, the family had settled in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where he attended Cherry Hill High School West and subsequently attended Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He furthered his studies at the University of Sydney (Australia), earning a  Master of Science in Pharmacology in 1978 and in the mid 1980s he returned to school to become a physical therapist, earning clinical honors in his program at Hahnemann University in Philadelphia.

From an early age,  Rick developed a taste for travel, adventure, and a love of the great outdoors. An enthusiastic fisherman, he enjoyed sharing his passion for the sport with his family and friends, leading several Father’s Day fishing trips out of Long Beach Island and winter tuna trips with “the boys” to the Hudson Canyon. In recent years, Rick purchased a boat and began logging hours for his boat captain’s license, while volunteering with the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary.

March of 1980 saw the birth of his beloved daughter Annie followed by the birth of the son he adored, Karl Frederick in October 1981.  Under Rick’s guidance, Annie and Karl, learned to appreciate the great outdoors from the beaches of Stockton, Australia to Long Beach Island, New Jersey.  Rick’s role as a strong father figure expanded in the early 1990s as he became stepfather to Luke and Kelly Ryan.

In addition, Rick opened up his home and his life playing host father to a great number of Rotary international exchange students.

He is predeceased by his father, Dr. Frederick B. Becker.

Rick is survived by his mother Anne Becker-Decker of Sun City Center, Florida; his son Karl F. Becker and wife Maiko of Ridgewood, New Jersey; his daughter Anna Marie (Annie) Becker of Newcastle, Australia; his step-son Luke Ryan of Boston, Massachusetts and step-daughter Kelly Ryan of Auburn, California.

He is also survived by his loving siblings: Andrea Becker of St. John’s, Antigua, Joan Friedrich of Fort Myers, Florida, Wayne Becker of Galloway, New Jersey, and Brenda Ruth of Egg Harbor, New Jersey.  He was “Uncle Rick” to Sarah Friedrich, Paul and Francesca Ruth, and Caitlyn, Duke and Samantha Becker. Rick also had numerous cousins who were special in his life.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Thursday, June 21st at 11:00AM at the Madison Ambulance Corps, 29 Prospect Street, Madison, New Jersey. The family will also be receiving visitors the same evening at the same location from 5:00 to 7:00PM.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the U. S. Sportsmen’s Alliance or Futures for Children (Academic Success for Native American Youth). For further information and on-line condolences www.valleymemorialfuneralhome.net