Senate Resolution No. 357
BY: Senator HELMING
CONGRATULATING George Becker upon the occasion of
celebrating his 100th Birthday on February 22, 2025
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate George Becker upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday on Saturday, February 22, 2025; and
WHEREAS, George Becker enlisted in the United States Navy on
November 23, 1942, at the age of 17; he attended boot camp and Navy
Class A school at Sampson Naval Training Station in Romulus, New York,
training as an Electrician's Mate from March to July of 1943; and
WHEREAS, In August 1943, George Becker was sent to Treasure Island,
California, where he joined the commissioning crew of the USS Emery, a
destroyer escort; the ship set sail for the South Pacific in October of
the same year; one month later, the Emery became part of a 200-ship task
force that took part in the invasion of the Gilbert Islands; and
WHEREAS, After returning to Pearl Harbor in December 1943, the Emery
set off again as part of the task force that invaded the Marshall
Islands in January 1944; and
WHEREAS, George Becker participated in several protection and escort
missions throughout World War II; on December 1, 1944, he was reassigned
to Camp Perry, where he completed Class B Advanced Electrician's Mate
school in July 1945; and
WHEREAS, Following his training, George Becker joined the crew of
the USS Admiral W.S. Sims, a troop transport ship commissioned after the
war's conclusion;
WHEREAS, When Japan officially surrendered on V-J Day, September 2,
1945, the USS Admiral W.S. Sims was tasked with transporting American
troops back home; George Becker and his fellow sailors made two trips to
Manila and one to Okinawa, bringing nearly 5,000 troops on each journey;
and
WHEREAS, George Becker was honorably discharged on April 3, 1946, at
the esteemed rank of Electrician's Mate Second Class; in recognition of
his service, he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American
Campaign Medal, and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; and
WHEREAS, George Becker returned to Rochester, New York, on April 4,
1946, and a week later, he began working at Rochester Gas & Electric,
where he remained until his retirement in 1987, after 41 years of
service; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Riga, New York, George Becker continued to
contribute to his community after his military service; he played an
active role in the Town of Riga's development, serving on the Board of
Assessment Review, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Monroe County
Planning Council; he also served for 27 years on the Town Planning
Board, eight of which he was chairman; and
WHEREAS, George Becker met his wife, Florence, in the summer of
1940; they dated during his service and married on October 25, 1947;
they were together for nearly 61 years until Florence's passing on
October 11, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Together, George and Florence Becker had four sons: David,
Douglas, Daniel, and Bruce; Bruce passed away on April 2, 2016; George
is also the proud grandfather of five grandchildren: Douglas Becker Jr.,
Kathy Rudd, Suzie Bird, Jessica Wallace, and Andrew Becker, and has
eight great-grandchildren: James Becker, Nicholas Becker, Cierra Becker,
Isaac Rudd, Abby Rudd, Hannah Bird, Carter Bird, and Harper Wallace; and
WHEREAS, George Becker often reflects on how his time in the
military taught him to respect authority, work well with others, be
patient, and appreciate what he has; he still lives independently,
taking care of his home and tending to his large lawn, which he mows
himself; and
WHEREAS, George Becker, with his zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian has experienced the incredible
joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the
stamina and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, George Becker has enriched the lives of those around him
through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the profound
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments, and
magnificent achievements of this country during the last century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate George Becker upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to George Becker.
