Dr. Norman Glebe Becker, Jr., 94, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, one day shy of his 95th birthday, in Vero Beach, FL.
Born on September 27, 1930 in East Orange, New Jersey, Norman ‘Bill’ was the beloved only child of Norman Glebe Becker and Elizabeth Maher Becker. Bill grew up in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and will be remembered for his quick wit, generosity and love of family and friends.
In 1943, a the age of 13, Bill attended The Peddie School in Hightstown, NJ during the war. He began his university studies at Middlebury College at the age of 17 when the majority of his classmates were in their later 20’s due to their military service. At Middlebury, Bill was a proud DKE fraternity member and played on the varsity hockey and baseball teams. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps based in Camp LeJeune, NC and was an active member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park, FL for over 50 years.
He married Madeleine Sophie Simon in 1956 in Spring Lake, NJ and together they built a life rooted in love, respect, and mutual support. Bill was a proud father to Joanne Kathryn, William, Elizabeth “ Buffie” and Stephen.
In 1957, after his service in the Marines, Bill and Maddie settled in Winter Park, FL. He was the first periodontist in Orlando and many of his patients became friends. Bill offered pro bono periodontal services to many in the Orlando homeless population and in the 1980’s provided oral surgical care to AIDS patients.
An avid golfer, Bill was a member of Bay Hill, Interlachen and Lake Nona Country Clubs in Orlando. In his later years, Bill broke his age in his golf score too many times to count, Bill devoted much time to the care of others. He and Maddie cooked and served countless meals for the men at the Orlando Christian Service Center. Combining his love of golf, travel and friendship, Bill organized numerous celebrity golf tournaments that benefitted the United States Olympic Team Foundation. Through these events, he became close friends with Chi Chi Rodriguez, Johnny Mathis and Jesse Owens. Bill served as a mentor to the children on the numerous youth baseball and basketball teams he coached and was a generous donor to multiple children’s non-profit organizations.
For years, Friday mornings were spent with his Men’s Bible Group at Panera Bread in Winter Park. Here, friendships were strengthened, problems were solved and the community’s needs were discussed. Bill cherished time spent with Dr. Paul Helsby, Barkley Ivaneck and Darwin Kelly, among others in his Bible group,
Bill was a faithful man and student of the Bible. A highlight of his life was a trip to the Holy Land in 2019, at the age of 89, with his son, Billy.
Bill moved to Vero Beach, Florida in 2024 to be close to family. There, he found a friend and constant companion in Nancy Morse. Nancy is an angel who remained by Bill’s side through his final days.
He is survived by his children; William (Lisa), Buffie and Stephen (Sandi), seven grandchildren; Amanda (Jeremy) Fraser, William (Kaitlin) Becker, Jr, Michael (Christine) Paulauski, Matthew (Macy) Becker, Samantha Jean Becker (Tradd) Tobin, Stephen Becker, Jr., Sebastian Becker and great-grandson James Fraser. He was preceded in death by Madeleine Becker, his wife of 56 years and Joanna Kathryn Becker, his daughter.
The entire Becker family is grateful for Laverne Bryant, Bill’s kind and loving caregiver.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a memorial donation to the VNA Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place Suite 101 Vero Beach, FL 32960 or online at:https://vnatc.org/waystogive/memorials-and-honorariums/
Bill’s life was a gift to all who knew him, and his memory will live on in our hearts forever.