Obituary of Leonard Becker

Leonard J. Becker, 74, of Oxford, New Jersey died in the arms of God surrounded by the love of his close family and friends on Saturday, October 20, 2012 in St Lukes-Warren Hospital Phillipsburg, NJ. Leonard was born on March 22, 1938 in Phillipsburg, NJ. He was the son of late Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. and Anna Mary ( nee Kappler) Becker. He graduated Sts Philip and James High School, Phillipsburg NJ in 1956. He attended Churchmans Business School. He retired from Agway Petroleum in Washington, NJ after 28 years. He also worked for the P & B Bank in Phillipsburg and the former manager of the Oxford Branch of the Washington Trust Co. Leonard was a charter member of the American Legion Post # 528 in White Twp, NJ. In 2009, he was inducted into the Chaplin of 4 Chaplins sponsored by the Warren County War Memorial Corp. Leonard was elected Mayor of Oxford Township and served 3 terms He served on both the Board of Adjustment and the Planning Board of Oxford, NJ. Under his leadership he got the majority of the township council to approve a modern sewer system and obtain an 85% grant for the installation of the system.He was the Vice President and President of the Warren County League of Municipalities. As Mucipial Chairman of the Oxford Municipal Alliance for the past 5 years, he has provided programs for both the senior citizens and children of Oxford. Through his initiative and perserverance the township was able to obtain grants from Green Acres and Fish and Game to build the recreation site at Oxford Lake. Leonard was the 1st Mayor to establish a permanent Municipal building in Oxford as well as housing the police, road department and Municipal Court. He also started the townships own garbage collection system. One of Leonard's greatest accomplishment as Mayor of Oxford was his proposal to the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders that they place the incinerator in Oxford. This has been a large financial asset for the Oxford Taxpayers. He was a lifetime member of the St Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Oxford NJ. He was Caretaker of the St Rose of Lima Cemetery for many years. Leonard was a charter and Past Grand Knight St. Joseph Council 5170 in Washington NJ for 12 years. He was instrumental in obtaining the Knights of Columbus property in Washington NJ. He was former Treasurer of the Oxford Lions Club for over 10 years and an active member for over 25 years. He and his wife were members of the Warren Wheelers where they really enjoyed square dancing.Leonard served 4 years in the US Air Force and served a tour in South Korea. He served 16 years in the N.J. National Guard, after 20 years as a reservest. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Kathyrn Blackledge Becker and would have been married 50 years on November 24, 2012 in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Scranton PA, a son Leonard Martin Becker and his girlfriend Kim Miller of South Plainfield, NJ, a daughter Lee Ann McGuire and her husband Kevin of Oxford NJ, a brother Leo F. Becker and his wife Mary G. of White Twp, NJ, sisters, Pauline Kimble, Joan Frisbie and husband Jack of Oxford, NJ, Patricia Ann Becker, Sister of St Joseph of Peace, Edglewood NJ, and grandchildren Kevin, Meghan and Katlee McGuire and a great granddaughter, Madison McGuire.He is predeceased by brothers Martin and Vincent and a sister Mary Nodes. Calling hours will be Wednesday 4-8pm, American Legion Services at 7pm in the DeVoe Funeral Service 136 West Washington Ave Washington NJ 07882. Services on Thursday at DeVoe's starting at 9:30am followed by a Funeral Mass 11AM at St Rose of Lima Church Academy Street Oxford, NJ. Interment to follow with Military honors in the parish cemetery. In Lieu of Flowers donation are requested to the Choroideremia Research Foundation, Inc. 23 East Brundreth Street Springfield, MA 01109-2110 or www.curechm,org. The DeVoe Funeral Service, Inc. has been entrusted with his arrangements.Online condolences at www.devoefuneral.com.