Shaftsbury, Vermont – Charles O. “Charlie” Becker, 98, resident of Ledgely Drive, Shaftsbury, VT passed away on February 20th, 2023 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, following a brief illness.
He was born in Shaftsbury, VT on June 16th, 1924, the son of the late Carl and Julia (Cross) Becker. He received his education at the former Bennington High School. Charlie was a World War II Army Veteran.
He married the former Marion Wade at St. Peters Episcopal Church in Bennington on August 3, 1946. Marion died January 2007.
In earlier years, Charlie was employed at the W. J. Coy Company Saw Mill and by Erwin Dunham Floor Covering. He also operated the Becker Floor and Wall Covering Business. Charlie was later employed at the H. T. Cushman Company in North Bennington for seventeen years. In 1969, Charlie and Marion established the Becker Fire Equipment Company which they ran until their retirement in 1986.
Following retirement, Charlie worked part-time at both Classic Limousine Service and the Mahar & Son Funeral Home. He retired from the funeral home in March of 2020 at the age of 95.
A very active member of the Shaftsbury Fire Department since joining in 1949, Charlie served as Chief of the department for several years and recently celebrated 75 years with the department. He was named Honorary Chief and in the Spring of 2006 the Shaftsbury fire house was renamed the Charles and Marion Becker Fire Facility in recognition of the many years of service to the Shaftsbury Fire Department by both Charlie and Marion. Charlie also taught fire safety courses for 35 years and served as a state fire instructor. He was also an active member of the Vermont State Fire Association.
A long-time member of the Shaftsbury Methodist Church, he was also a member of the Bennington Elks Lodge 567, Moose Lodge 1223 and American Legion Post 13. He enjoyed woodworking and turkey and deer hunting.
Survivors include a nephew, Brian D. Wade Sr. (Judith), three nieces: JoAnn Wade, Tami Mattison (Jeff), and Robin Wade, and several cousins.
Friends are invited to call to the Mahar and Son Funeral Home on February 27th, 2023, from 5-7pm.
A firefighter’s funeral will be held at 11am on February 28th, 2023, at the Shaftsbury Methodist Church. Following the service, a brief procession will take place to the Shaftsbury Fire House where Charlie will receive his last call, before continuing to Center Shaftsbury Cemetery where the burial will take place in the family lot.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions in Charlie’s honor may be made to either the Shaftsbury Fire Company or the Shaftsbury Methodist Church through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main St. Bennington, VT 05201
Online guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.
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