Former Lewes Mayor Ted Becker dies

Former Lewes Mayor Ted Becker is being remembered as a selfless public servant who helped shape the city into what it is today. 

Becker, 74, died Oct. 6 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Becker was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1978-86.

Becker moved to Lewes in 1981. He was first elected to city council in 2004. He was appointed deputy mayor and treasurer in June 2011, under then-mayor Jim Ford.

He was elected mayor in May 2014, after Ford did not seek re-election. Ford said Becker’s loss will leave a huge void in the city.

“He was dedicated to community service and volunteerism. He was always there when needed and never said no,” Ford said.

Becker was recently installed as vice president of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce for 2024-25 and served on the Greater Lewes Foundation board of directors.

GLF issued a statement listing Becker’s accomplishments, including the campaign to create Lewes’ Canalfront Park, his efforts to preserve the city’s historic district and leading the charge to create the Lewes African American Heritage Commission.

“We’re going to miss him. He was a good guy,” said Mike Rawl, GFL executive director. “His businesses really set the bar for Lewes as it is today.”

The Inn at Canal Square was among the businesses owned by Becker and his partner Joe Stewart.

Ann Marie Townshend, former Lewes city manager, worked with Becker for nearly her entire tenure with the city. 

“I so enjoyed working with Ted. His service not only to city council and as mayor, but his business dealings were a benefit to everyone in the community,” Townshend said.

Delaware’s mover and shakers are praising Becker’s leadership.

U.S. Sen. Tom Carper: “Martha and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ted Becker. As the longtime former mayor of Lewes, Ted was a true champion for its year-round residents and summertime visitors. He was also an environmental champion and a supporter of all of Delaware’s coastal communities. My staff and I were privileged to work with him on legislation that protects our coasts and replenishes our beaches, and he always approached those conversations with the golden rule in mind. Lewes is a better place because of Ted. Delaware is also a better place because of Ted. We will miss him, but we will always be grateful to have called him our friend.”

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ted Becker, a man I knew for more than two decades from his time on city council to his service as mayor to his leadership on the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Lewes Foundation. He is one of the greatest public servants Lewes has ever known. Ted was a wonderful mayor for the city and had an innate understanding of how to balance the requirements of a tourist-filled, world-class beach community with the needs of the year-round residents who made up his constituency. He will be greatly missed. Annie and I are keeping Ted’s husband, Joe; his surviving family; and the entire Lewes community in our hearts, and praying that memories of Ted provide some small measure of comfort during this difficult time.”

Gov. John Carney: “Ted served the public selflessly and was always willing to help whenever asked. His service included eight years as mayor of Lewes and 10 years on Lewes City Council, including as deputy mayor and treasurer. He was also a longtime member of the Delaware Health Care Commission and recently served as the Sussex County commissioner for the Delaware River and Bay Authority. He was a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with, always trying to do the right thing. I saw Ted most at home with Joe at the Inn at Canal Square. I was lucky to have Ted as a friend and colleague over the years, and I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends as we mourn his loss and celebrate his life.”

Carney said Delaware’s state flag will be lowered to half staff on the day of Becker’s interment.

Interment will be private, but a public celebration of Becker’s life is being planned for late October.