Paul Ely Beckerman, Ph.D.

Passed away after a lengthy illness. Paul leaves his beloved wife, Azucena, his son Edward, and daughter-in-law Elyssa who are expecting his grandson in October. He will be greatly missed by his sisters Helene Kaufman and her husband Sheldon and Vicki Guckian and her husband Mike and his brother David Beckerman, as well as by his many cousins, nephews, and nieces. He is predeceased by his parents and sister Donna.

Paul served as the 1969 Class Agent of the MIT alumni association until he fell ill. After graduating from MIT, Paul volunteered with the Peace Corps in Bolivia and later in Colombia and kept close ties with his group. Upon his return to the United States, he earned a Ph.D. in Economics from Princeton University working on his dissertation under a Fulbright scholarship in Brazil. 

He began his career teaching at the University of Illinois and Boston University. He earned another Fulbright scholarship to teach advanced economics in Peru with the Central Bank of Reserve Summer Program, Catholic University, and Pacific University.  He returned to the Bronx to teach at Fordham University and started his work in the Financial sector with Marine Midland Bank (HSBC) followed by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He moved to Washington, DC to work for the World Bank and spent 3 years stationed in New Delhi, India. After his post, he rejoined the World Bank's Latin America and Caribbean division. He spent the last 15+ years of his career doing what he loved - travelling the world as a macroeconomic independent consultant in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Paul was a New Yorker at heart. He loved the Bronx Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Metropolitan Opera, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He was an accomplished musician, a well-respected macroeconomist, a steadfast friend, and mentor to many. His encyclopedia-like knowledge, friendship, and kindness will be missed by all. 

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