Francis X. Becker Sr. dies

“His Catholic faith would guide and influence his principles, morals, ethics and beliefs for all his life,” said Hilary Becker.

With family members by his side, Francis X. Becker Sr., a retired New York State Supreme Court justice and a former Lynbrook mayor, died on Sunday of complications of dementia. He was 90.

Becker had been honored on April 7 at American Legion Post 335 in Lynbrook for his 70-year membership. His family, friends, fellow Legionnaires and local dignitaries were there to mark the occasion. Although in failing health, Becker was able to attend.

“After a full life of 90 years, one of the greatest men I’ve ever known has left us,” said his son Hilary Becker, a Lynbrook village trustee. “He was a true patriot who loved his God, his family and his country. My dad is now in heaven.”

Born on Aug. 20, 1925, Becker grew up on Winter Street in Lynbrook with his father, U.S. Rep. Frank J. Becker; his mother, Claire; his sister, Betty Ann; and his brother, Robert. He attended St. Raymond’s Roman Catholic Church in East Rockaway, and then Our Lady of Peace in Lynbrook, where he was an altar boy. He graduated from Lynbrook High School in 1943.

After graduation, he boarded a train at the Lynbrook station to attend a summer session at Tusculum College in Tennessee. After that, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force, and served in World War II, earning the American Service, Good Conduct and World War II Victory medals. He was a Golden Glove boxing champion as well.

He went on to attend Cornell Law School, where he met his future wife, Elizabeth “Betsy” Dunker. They were married on June 20, 1949, in Our Lady of Snows Church in Woodstock, Vt. “They were drawn together by their mutual Catholic faith,” said their son Francis X. Becker Jr.

The couple moved back to Lynbrook, and Becker opened a law practice on Forest Avenue, focusing on residential

and commercial real estate, insurance and injury suits. He specialized in courtroom litigation.