Ted Becker remembered as public servant, friend to Lewes

Hundreds of people attended a celebration of life for former Lewes Mayor Ted Becker Oct. 26. The service was held in Canalfront Park, which Becker helped create.

Becker died Oct. 6. He was elected to city council in 2004 and as mayor in 2014.

Former Lewes Mayor Jim Ford, who preceded Becker, delivered welcoming and closing remarks.

“I had the privilege to work with Ted on many of his challenges and issues. At the same time, he was involved with many others I was not involved with, because only Ted could keep up with Ted,” Ford said.

Lewes Mayor Andrew Williams became emotional when talking about Becker’s impact on the city.

“Ted led us through tough times, economic downturns, weather events and COVID. Ted stepped up and led with conviction from in front,” Williams said.

Gov. John Carney said Becker was an incredible ambassador for Lewes and the state.

“Ted was warm and respectful. He listened more than he talked. He was determined and strong, as evidenced by the park we’re in today,” Carney said.

Carney worked with Becker on the Delaware Healthcare Commission and appointed him to the Delaware River & Bay Authority board of directors.

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester spoke of her father, whose name was Ted and who also died this year. She said Becker’s public service will not be forgotten.

“Legacy is planting seeds in a garden you will never see. Ted has planted seeds in his beloved Lewes, in Sussex County and in every one of us, so we know he will live on,” Blunt Rochester said.

Sen. Chris Coons recalled the hard work Becker and his longtime life and business partner, Joe Stewart, put into the city.

“Joe and Ted made a lasting difference, not by seeing things as they were, but as they might be, as they ought to be,” Coons said. “[People] don’t realize how much work it took to make Lewes what it is today.”

Sussex County Councilman Mark Schaeffer, Sen. Russ Huxtable and Rep. Stell Parker Selby also delivered remarks praising Becker as a tireless public servant.

The Rev. Jeff Ross from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes performed the service.

Former Sen. Ernie Lopez delivered the eulogy.

“Ted Becker had a purpose in life. It was a purpose he wished to share, which is why Ted was the consummate collaborator, convener and leader, someone always working toward a common goal,” Lopez said.

The Cape Henlopen High School Junior ROTC presented the colors. Sgt. Richard Hurt presented Stewart with an American flag. Becker served in the Army National Guard from 1978-94.

The celebration of life was organized by the City of Lewes and the Greater Lewes Foundation. Becker was a member of the GLF board of directors.

Tributes in Becker’s memory can be made to the GLF’s Fourth Street Preserve Campaign at greaterlewesfoundation.org.