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Mostly Cloudy Hale hails a hero
Hosts tribute to Bob Becker for four decades of service to Lynbrook’s seniors
On Nov. 29, the Nathan Hale Senior Village celebrated 83-year-old Robert G. Becker’s 40 years of service to the senior residents of the community. The residence’s newly completed pavilion on Doxsey Place has also been named after Becker.
“Uncle Bob is near and dear to my heart,” said Hilary Becker, president of the Nathan Hale Village board and a trustee of the Lynbrook village board. “He was a tremendous mentor to me, and he held my hand while I built my business. His integrity, his altruism … he deserves this honor. He has earned it.”
In 1972, at the urging of his father, U.S. Rep. Frank J. Becker, then Mayor Francis X. Becker developed the not-for- profit Nathan Hale facility so that local seniors would not be driven out of Lynbrook by rising housing costs. The project was funded with federal money and grants, so it did not increase residents’ taxes.
“My father wanted a place [where] Lynbrook’s seniors could spend their golden years in the community they loved, and where surroundings were familiar, and friends and family were close by,” said Nassau County Legislator Francis X. Becker Jr. When the 126-unit facility was completed, the mayor asked his brother, Bob, to take over its stewardship, and he assumed the title of president of the Board of Directors — a position he has held for 40 years.
“Bob Becker is a man most noted for his faith and love for God,” said Legislator Becker, Hilary’s brother and Bob’s nephew. “He found great satisfaction in living his faith while helping and working with Lynbrook’s seniors.”
In 2002, a fire ripped through the building, and Becker oversaw a complete renovation, arranging for temporary housing for all of its occupants and for the financing of the multi-million-dollar project, using the insurance proceeds and financing from New York state. The following year, residents began moving back into their renovated apartments.
