Peter Joseph Becker Jr.

Peter Joseph “P.J.” Becker, Jr., passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on Saturday, November 26, 2016. He was 85 years old. Beloved husband of Joyce D’Aunoy Becker for 58 years. Loving father of Pamela Jane Becker (Bill McCord), Glory Ann “Sissy” Toups (Olden), Brenda Angela Shaw (Scott), and Peter Joseph Becker, III (Stacy Harris). Adoring Grandfather of Sarah Ashley Ubas (Brittany) and Connor Ross Toups. Brother of Ethel May Furno (Joseph), Roy Joseph Shaw, Dick Becker (Debbie), and Richard Becker (Constance). Brother-in-law of Marlene D. Purcell (the late Frank). Uncle of Karen Ann Furno and Alan Jeffrey Furno (Chuck Goebel). He will be missed dearly by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel Ida Palmisano Becker Shaw and Peter Joseph Becker, Sr., and his step-mother, Mildred Bourg Becker. Pete graduated from Jefferson High School in 1951 where he excelled in multiple sports that he continued throughout his life. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Air Force. He served for four years as a Medic stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. He retired after 35 years from Murphy Oil Refinery in Meraux, LA. He loved dancing, having a good time and participated in several Carnival organizations including the JUMA Marching Club, and the Krewes of Babylon, Endymion, and Ceasar. He was the proud recipient of the United States Armed Forces Veterans Honor Medal. He was a member of the American Legion, Kailua, Hawaii, the Knights of Columbus, and AARP Tamanards Chapter. Early in his life, Pete worked in many gambling houses dealing roulette and continued using his favorite combination throughout his life. He was a passionate gardener and enjoyed spending time in his yard growing vegetables and sharing them with his family and friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2621 Colonial Blvd., Violet, LA on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 12:00 PM. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM. Interment will follow in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Pete to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or Masses at a church of your choice. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.stbernardmemorial.com.