Rand Becker

Rand Becker died Friday, April 15, 2016 at Caprice Health Center. Rand was born May 5, 1929 at home on the east side of Youngstown to Edna Louise (Quigley) and Benjiman Walter Becker.Rand attended John White Elementary, Scienceville Junior High and Scienceville/North High School. He received his journeyman Carpenter's papers prior to graduation of high school at the Wood Street Apprentice School.  As a part-time student. he graduated from Youngstown College with certification in education K-12.  He received his Master's Degree from the University of Pittsburgh in School Administration. Rand's teaching career began in Poland Union School (52 3rd graders!) and continued in Youngstown retiring in 1984 as a supervisor of Adult Basic Education.  Rand was a part-time teacher at the University of Akron, Kent State University, Youngstown, Westminster, and Pittsburgh.While teaching at Youngstown College he and two full-time professors (Dr. Edgar Cobbet and Dr. Clyde Vanaman) decided to retire in 1984.  Together, they formed a corporation, NEOLA Inc.  It's purpose is to keep school districts in compliance with state and federal law by providing policies, guidelines, and forms based on state and federal case and statute law.  The business was sold in 1999 and continues to operate today. Rand married Eleanor Mae Fortunato (the smartest thing he ever did) in 1955. They just celebrated their 60th Anniversary this past summer. He had the benefit of her love and support all of these years.  They were married at the William Holmes McGuffey Memorial Methodist Church on Youngstown's East Side. They are members of Trinity United Methodist Church, where Rand was a certified Lay Speaker and served on many committees.He was very involved in the Youngstown Rotary and was a veteran of the United States Army. Rand's efforts to save the The Youngstown Playhouse, where he served as President for several years, resulted in recovering its financial state, therefore keeping the doors open to the oldest community theatre in the US. This was very dear to Rand’s heart to keep the theatre arts alive in Youngstown. Rand's interest in history has been a long passion.  He wrote historical books on the construction history of the Youngstown Schools, Trinity Church, Rotary Club of Youngstown, and was currently working on a history of churches of Youngstown.  He was also considering a history of the Youngstown Playhouse.He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; sister -in-law, Aurora Fortunato of Mineral Ridge; brother-in law, Lou Fortunato of Brookfield; nephews, Louis (Cheryl) Fortunato of North Jackson and David Fortunato of Brookfield; niece, Lee Ann Fortunato-Heltzel of Columbiana; niece, Cynthia McDuff of California; nephew, David (Jan) Arnold of California; nephew, Robert (Marian) Becker of Hawaii; numerous great-nieces and nephews; and great-great nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Rand was preceded in death by a sister Lois and a brother Jack; and sister -in-law, Jeannette Fortunato. Services will be held Wednesday at 11:00AM at Trinity United Methodist Church in Youngstown with Rev. Jerry Kruger officiating.  Interment will follow at Tod Homestead Cemetery, Youngstown. Friends and family will be received Tuesday from 4:00 PM  to 7:00 PM at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman and Thursday from 10:00AM to 10:45AM at the church.  Contributions may be made to the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Rd., Poland, OH 44514.Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com