RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — Randy Becker has lived many lives: railroad engineer, radio deejay, folk singer road manager, Unitarian Universalist minister, writer. Now in his author phase, he’ll celebrate the release of his new novel, PERRYBURG: Autobiography of a City at The Ridgefield Library on Thursday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m. Becker will be interviewed by Ridgefield Poet Laureate and 2025 Citizen of the Year, Ira Joe Fisher, and the event will also feature a reading and book signing, coordinated by Books on the Common. Registrations are encouraged, though walk-ins are welcome. Save your spot here.
“Time in Randy Becker’s PERRYBURG: An Autobiography, is time in a fascinating place. Its people. Its pace. Its story. It’s a place of recognized truth. Time in Randy Becker’s company is a smiling and serious pleasure. He offers. And, like a good friend and good artist, he listens. There’s wisdom and there’s impishness…in equal measure. I look forward to my conversation — chat — with Randy Becker at our beloved Ridgefield Public Library. You’re invited to join the chat,” said Ira Joe Fisher, Ridgefield Poet Laureate
Though Randy Becker hailed from Utica, New York, his studies and ministries took him all over the country and to the likes of Venice, Italy. In his younger years, he spent undergraduate summers (as a physics/sociology double major from Brandeis University), at Eastman Kodak’s physics labs working on what’s now known as digital photography. After deciding a career in Unitarian Universalism seemed a better fit than a one in science, Randy attended the ministry program at Meadville Theological School of Lombard College at the University of Chicago and worked in a student ministry in Wisconsin. It was then he also enjoyed a stint as a “roadie” to folk singer, Ric Masten, during which time he met his first wife.
Next came Providence, Rhode Island in the early 70s for his first religious assignment, and soon thereafter, Randy beat the odds and survived cancer — after a grim prognosis. The author continued his work as a Minister in Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia, marrying a second time in 1992. An overseas sabbatical followed in Venice, where he penned the fictional series, The Venice Stories and the nonfiction work, Reclaiming the Soul of Your Faith. Then revisited Illinois, and headed to Florida (near his aging parents), thinking Key West was where he’d retire after his second wife passed away there.
It was after relocating up north that Perryburg: An Autobiography of a City was born. PERRYBURG is an urban mosaic history of a Rust Belt city, told through stories of residents across four centuries, that readers may find familiar.
“I’m thrilled to share my new novel, PERRYBURG, with the Ridgefield community and beyond. When my wife asked for another of my books for her birthday, I got to writing. It’s an honor to discuss my newest work on June 5 with Ira Joe as well,” said Randy Becker, Author of PERRYBURG: An Autobiography of a City.
The Ridgefield Public Library’s mission is to provide access to diverse resources, maintain a welcoming environment, and offer community-based programs to encourage lifelong learning. Randy Becker’s book launch will take place at the library on Thursday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to the celebration, where the author will be interviewed by award-winning author, Ira Joe Fisher. Register here.
Photo Caption: Ridgefield author, Randy Becker, will celebrate the release of his new novel, PerryburG: An Autobiography of a City on June 5, 7:00 p.m. at The Ridgefield Library. Registrations encouraged.