Robert Thomas Becher

Announcing the passing of Robert T. Becher on January 22, 2026 at age 89, of Bayport, Long Island, New York. He was proud Co-Captain with late wife Helene for 67 years and paternal leader to sons Andrew, Carl and Eric; dear daughters-in-law Marie, Elaine and JoAnn, plus grandchildren Nicholas, Alisha, Lindsey and Matthew (Carl & Elaine), Lucas and Zachary (Andrew & Marie), plus great-grandkids Benjamin and Sienna (Nicholas & Kristyn) and Alisha's Fiancé Christopher Paragye. Also survived by cousins Anthony Gullo and wife Marianne; Ben Gullo and wife Lynne, Marianne Guzman and husband Mario; brother-in-law Stephen Dimino, and several nieces and nephews.

Bob was born in Valley Stream, New York, and attended VS Central HS and Hofstra University. He fulfilled his military obligation through ten years of combined active duty training and New York National Guard, including Armor School at Fort Knox and NCO at Empire Military Academy. He rose through ranks to Tank Commander, First Sergeant, Operations Chief and Command Sergeant-Major of Rainbow Division's 142nd Armor Battalion in Patchogue.

Mr. Becher was a 42 year employee of Long Island Lighting Co., retired in 1998 as Division Manager in the natural gas division, and LILCO representative on committees at American Gas Association, Edison Electric Institute, and Chairman of NY Council of Gas Utilities.

A 57 year Bayport resident, Robert was volunteer President of Skills Unlimited, Oakdale, dedicated to provide training, support and employment for handicapped adults and veterans. He was elected to three terms on the Bayport/Blue Point Board of Education, as Vice President and Chairman of Buildings, Audit and Negotiations Committees. Throughout the 1970s he was Islip Town Chairman of Assessment Review, helping resolve complaints from businesses and homeowners. He received recognition for his efforts as an associate member of the Long Island Builders Institute (LIBI).

Mr. Becher became a lifetime member of the American Legion, Great South Bay Yacht Racing Association and other charitable institutions and clubs, including R.O.M.E.O., Retired Old Men Eating Out. Up to his demise Bob was the Senior Living Past Commodore of Sayville Yacht Club, having been an active participant from 1969 and Commodore in 1983.