Bernard F. Becker

Bernard ("Barney") was born in 1931 in The Bronx to German immigrants August and Elsie. Shortly after graduating high school in 1949, age 18, he entered active service in the Air Force where he trained as a Radio Mechanic Gen at the famous Scott Field Radio School (Scott AFB, Ill). His technical training and fluency in German proved to be a valuable skill set and he was stationed in Germany and North Africa. He discharged at the rank of Staff Sargent in 1952 and served for several additional years in the USAF Reserves.
After meeting and marrying his bride Elizabeth Jane (née Cooper), they settled in the north Bronx (now Norwood) for 13 years, raising two daughters. They moved and became permanent residents of Bronxville in 1967. Barney worked as a Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Officer for 20+ years at the Whitestone Bridge, often doing demanding shift work. His work ethic was impeccable, always holding steady with a "stop complaining, get going" tough love approach. His quiet example and strong moral compass instilled a pride of work and accomplishment in his daughters, granddaughters.
His granddaughters Caitlin and Megan were the loves of his life. Many joyful times were spent with them in his retirement years. The girls have fond memories of his big old Ford station wagon as their "confessional". They always knew their Pop could keep a secret.
Barney was a friend to many. Helping out a friend or other young fathers with a few bucks, or lending a quick mechanical fix, or an ear to someone's problem were his hallmarks. Ever the tinkerer and old radio man, there were few things he couldn't fix or give it his best shot. Popular Mechanics and Popular Science were ever-present magazines in the family home while growing up. Barney's idea of a perfect day was bass fishing in his beloved Adirondacks, his favorite cookies or chocolate cordials nearby, rowboat rocking on the water in the wind, the sun on his face. Rock on, our Dad and Pop.
Barney was predeceased by his wife of 65 years in 2019. He is survived by his daughters Karen Ann Becker (Mark Botton), and Kristine Becker; granddaughters Caitlin Mastroianni (Anthony Ditrio), and Megan Mastroianni (Mark Braza); and great-grandkids Luke and Lily.
Calling Hours: 4 to 8 pm, Thursday, August 29, 2024