Eugene M. Becker *59

Eugene Becker died Sept. 28, 2016, at age 86, after a distinguished career in finance.

Becker earned a Colgate bachelor’s degree in 1951 and a master’s degree from Chicago in 1953. From 1953 to 1954, he was a Fulbright fellow at the University of Paris, and was in the Army from 1954 to 1956. From Princeton, he earned a Ph.D. in art and archaeology in 1959.

Becker had conflicting career interests between the arts and the practical, and finally chose to work for the Investment Bankers Association. He then was an officer with First National City Bank. In 1966, Mayor John Lindsay appointed him as New York City’s director of the budget, at which he excelled.

In 1967, this led to his becoming an assistant secretary of the Army in the Johnson administration. In 1969, he was reappointed in the Nixon administration. Becker resigned in 1972 and joined the Continental Can Co., followed by financial positions in academia and elsewhere. By 1982, he was with Blyth Eastman Dillon, and then such other investment banking firms as Smith Barney Shearson.

Becker was on the board of Carnegie Hall from 1966 to 1992. He and his financial expertise served Carnegie Hall when he was vice president of the board from 1967 to 1986.

Becker is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Bowles.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.