George J. Becker, Jr.

GEORGE JOSEPH BECKER, JR.George Becker, a longtime photographer and artist in Brevard County died Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at the age of 75.  He is survived by his two sons – Jon and Marc Becker, his aunt, Eileen Knaus, and his nephew James Everett. He is pre-deceased by his daughter, Laura Anne Becker. A celebration of life will be held at the Park & Recreation facility Irene H. Canova Park, located at 2285 A1A, Indian Harbour Beach on Saturday, July 19 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Well known in the community, George had been a member of the Chamber of Commerce, graduate of the Leadership Brevard Program, a charter member and past board member of the Exchange Club of the South Brevard Beaches, and Rotary International.  Upon retirement, he joined the Strawbridge Art League and also played in a local band.  He was the owner of Becker Studios. George was also a veteran, having served in Viet Nam as a helicopter engine mechanic.  He worked on the CH-S4 Tarhe Helicopter, a.k.a Skycrane; and the Sikorsky HH-3E, a.k.a Jolly Green Giant.Although born in Philadelphia, George considered himself a native Floridian since he moved to Miami at a very early age and grew up in the Miami Springs area.  A graduate of Miami Springs High School, George lettered in Surfing, as in the sixties he was on the school’s competitive surfing team. Weekends brought him to Brevard County to surf, where he often worked at then Joe’s Italian Villa (now Lou’s Blues) to earn gas money back to Miami.George had always been interested in art and photography, finally deciding to pursue a career as a photographer. A graduate of Miami Photography College, George began making a name for himself as a commercial photographer.  This was in addition to school photography, portraiture, aerials, sports, wedding/bar mitzvahs, and eventually branching out into videography.  He also taught photography at his Alma Mater.  He enjoyed the variety photography offered, and with a strong background in technical lighting and sense of artistry, George excelled in both still and video photography.Some of his career highlights: •    When Artist Christo made Miami “Pretty in Pink” in 1983, George was up in a plane to capture the environmental artwork when Christo and Jeanne-Claude encircled 11 islands in Biscayne Bay with 6.5 million square feet of pink fabric.•    George did not miss watching Miami Dolphin games over the years, so when he was hired by the Miami American Heart Association to video tape a public service announcement with Larry Little, Miami Dolphin lineman, he was all in.  George also had the opportunity to photograph the Don Shula Family.•    An excellent portrait photographer, George has captured the images of actress Florence Henderson, Congressman Bill Nelson, Governor Lawton Chiles, and Vice President Al Gore to name a few.In 1983 George and his then wife Linda came up to Brevard County for one of the shuttle launches.  It was on that trip that the couple decided to move to the area with their two sons. Becker left behind a growing business, that included accounts with Belcher Oil, Southern Bell, and JC Penney.  Even though the move meant that he had to start his business all over again, he always felt that it was worth it.  One of his hidden desires was to be the first photographer in space on a shuttle mission.  Thousands upon thousands of Brevardians have been photographed by George Becker.A guitar player from way back, George also played the harmonica and keyboard; enjoyed golf, painting in oils, and of course, watching the Miami Dolphins.