Henry T. Becker was born in Hartford, Connecticut. He attended George Washington University, Duquesne University, Western Reserve University and the University of Connecticut. Becker had a long and distinguished labor career beginning with Lodge 1746 of the International Association of Machinists while working for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford. He was also affiliated with the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, American Federation of Teachers, Greater Hartford Labor Council, Connecticut State Labor Council, and other state-wide boards.