The campus community mourns the passing of Bill Becker, 90, who died Sunday, September 28. Bill retired after more than 32 years of service to Bucknell as a professor of religious studies.
I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others.
On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Bill’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell.
John C. Bravman
President
Minneapolis, Minnesota – William (“Bill”) Hartshorne Becker, 90, died in his sleep on September 28, 2025. Bill lived in Lewisburg, PA for most of his life; he had recently moved to Minnesota to be closer to his daughter. He was born July 8, 1935 in Ridgewood, NJ.
Bill went to Colgate University for his undergraduate degree, and earned his Ph.D. from Harvard Divinity School. While at Harvard, he met Judith Wells and they were married on August 22, 1959. They celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary shortly before Judy passed away in 2007.
Bill and Judy were avid readers and belonged to numerous book clubs over the years. They had many close friends with whom they camped, hiked, squaredanced, and shared meals. Friends and family enriched their lives immeasurably, as did their many trips to places near and far.
Bill taught religious studies at Bucknell University from 1964 – 1997, and was a prolific writer, respected scholar, and life-long learner. Bill was also a master gardener and shared his bounty generously. His children recall hauling baseball bat-sized zucchinis around the neighborhood until they had convinced enough people to take one so they could return home with an empty wagon.
While Bill was notoriously frugal with himself (including wearing shirts until they were so thin that they were almost see-through), he was extremely generous with his resources, his vast knowledge, and his time. Bill found joy in preparing food for others, especially his delicious from-scratch pies; barbershop singing; hosting pool parties; and finding just the right gift for those he loved.
Bill’s special friend in later life, Carol Crichley, was a beloved member of our family. Bill and Carol maintained their independent lives yet spent most of their time together for the 13 years prior to Carol’s death.
Bill was predeceased by Judy, Carol, and his son Matthew. He is survived by two children: Daniel (Susan) and Anne (Dave Greeman) Becker; and four grandchildren: Erik and Leif Becker, and Clare and Nathan Greeman.