Robert Victor Becchio of Westhampton died on July 14. He was 90.
Born in Brooklyn on June 27, 1926, to Victor and Marie (Buonaiuto) Becchio, he was an only child. He helped his parents care for more than a dozen foster children at their home.
At age 15, he became an apprentice with the Long Island Rail Road. Two years later, he joined the U.S. Navy with a waiver signed by his mother because he was not yet 18. He served in the Philippines until the end of World War II.
After returning to the United States, he graduated from high school and was hired by the Long Island Rail Road where he remained as an engineer until his retirement. He and his wife, Jean, moved to Westhampton in 1968, and raised three children. He was active in the community and worked at the Westhampton Country Club and the Quogue Field Club in his retirement. He joined the Westhampton Beach Fire Department in 1981 as a volunteer with the fire police, which he continued for 35 years.
Predeceased by his wife, he is survived by three children, Jeanann, Maryann and Robert Joseph; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to the Westhampton Beach Fire Department, Box 1526, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.
on Sep 15, 2016