Paul Dante Becker

Paul D. Becker passed away peacefully on December 14, 2020, surrounded by his family. Paul will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Eileen, daughter Cathy Becker, son John Becker, sisters Monica Becker (Paul) and Leslie Crocker (Tim), nieces, cousins and many other family members and dear friends. Paul was preceded in passing by his parents Paul and Vivian Becker, in-laws Jack and Loretta Newman and sister-in-law Loretta “Betty” Dornisch.

Born in Mississippi on May 16, 1947, Paul spent his youth in Argentina, Guatemala and El Salvador — experiences that instilled love of family, lifelong loyal friendships and a spirit of adventure. After a junior year at Willow Glen High School in San Jose, Paul graduated from Academia Arguello in Cordoba, Argentina and then attended Marietta College in Ohio. Paul’s years at Marietta not only afforded him with the opportunity to develop his passion for photography, but also to meet the love of his life, Eileen Newman. After marriage and graduation, they moved near Paul’s family in San Luis Obispo and then later Santa Barbara where Paul completed a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Brooks Institute of Photography. An opportunity to be Marriott’s Great America’s photographer drew Paul to San Jose in 1978 where he captured countless smiles and memorable moments at the park. Following Great America, Paul continued as a professional photographer of weddings, commercial products, portraits, real estate, special events and also taught photography at Evergreen Valley College. Paul was particularly proud of his long-standing relationship with the City of Santa Clara where he photographed ceremonies, police and fire department events, award-winning holiday home decorations and special events.

Paul loved people and he treasured chatting with everyone he met. Acquaintances quickly became friends and he saw the good in each person. His friendliness, patience, unassuming demeanor, innate ability to make personal connections, were just some of the qualities that made him so beloved by all — there were no grey clouds in his sky. He enthusiastically attended all of Cathy's and John’s childhood sporting events and was a San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors fan. He was remarkably talented at whipping up delicious meals, often from old cookbook recipes, but usually just winging it. He appreciated traveling all over the world, from Europe to South America to China as well as annual trips to Maui. Paul loved going to their Fir Tract cabin near Lake Tahoe in the beautiful national forest. He enjoyed art, especially Impressionism, visiting historical sites and museums and model trains.

All who knew Paul were touched by his loving heart, gracious generosity and incredible ability to see the best in everyone. He was a blessing to all of us.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, those who wish to celebrate Paul’s life make a donation in his memory to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation: themmrf.org. Private family services will be held at interment in Washington, DC, at a later date.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories in this obituary.