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

Lewes City Manager Ellen Lorraine McCabe issued a statement Oct. 7, calling Becker a visionary who earned the respect of the community and everyone he worked with.

“His thoughtful interactions, compassion and dedication to public service made a lasting difference in the daily operations of our city and with our city staff, as well as to the lives of countless individual residents,” McCabe said.

Mayor Andrew Williams has ordered the draping of city hall and council chambers and the lowering of the flag to half staff in Becker’s memory.

“Mr. Becker’s passing leaves a void throughout the community. He leaves behind a profound legacy and a demonstrated commitment to the betterment of our city and the surrounding Lewes community," Williams said. “He was a thoughtful leader, well-respected and admired for all who had the pleasure and honor of serving with him.”

The Lewes Board of Public Works began its special meeting Oct. 7, with a moment of silence for Becker.

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 1978-94.

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. 

“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.

Ray Book, Lewes Chamber of Commerce board president, issued a statement saying, in part that, Becker was dedicated to helping Lewes become a better place.

“For many years Ted Becker has been a great friend of the chamber. His knowledge and wisdom helped the chamber and its members through many challenges. He did this as a board member and a member of the City Council and Mayor. Through our friendship with Ted, we experienced his deep love for Lewes and the citizens of Sussex County,” Book said.

Betsy Reamer, the Chamber’s executive director, was a friend of Becker’s for more than 20 years.

“I was so fortunate to have Ted’s guidance and counsel. He was not only visionary, he was someone who was on the ground, getting his hands dirty, implementing his ideas,” Reamer said.

The Chamber will honor Becker at its Nov. 21 membership breakfast meeting.

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.”

U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester: “I was saddened to hear about the passing of former Lewes Mayor Ted Becker. Whether serving as a member of Lewes City Council, mayor of Lewes, or commissioner of the Delaware River and Bay Authority, Mayor Becker was deeply committed to giving back to the city and state that gave him so much pride throughout his life. I had the pleasure of working with Mayor Becker on initiatives to strengthen our water infrastructure, expand the Cape May-Lewes Ferry system, and protect our environment. He always provided wise counsel on improving the quality of life for our residents – a shared goal of ours. Beyond policy, I’ll miss celebrating the Fourth of July and attending local events with him in Lewes each year. I’m grateful to have been able to call him a friend and partner in this work, and like so many throughout our state, I will miss him dearly. Let us take comfort in knowing that his life was well-lived, and that his legacy will endure through all of us. My prayers are with his family and loved ones 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.