It is with a deep sadness that we announce the passing of Past National Commandant / Past Department Commandant Robert E. “Bob” Becker Jr., 87 born in Niskayuna, NY on October 12,1939 passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026.
He was predeceased by his parents, Robert(Sr.) and Mabel (LoeƯler) Becker, sister Grace MacFee and brother John S. Becker. He is survived by his son, Robert E. Becker (Deidre); Deborah (Becker) Danz; Catherine St. Clair (Lee); and his three exceptional granddaughters Jessica, Jennifer and Janet Danz.
Bob was a member of the first graduating class of Niskayuna High School in 1959. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1960-1966 and then joined the USMC Reserves in Albany, where he served until retirement as First Sargeant in 1982. After a thirty-year career, he retired from the US Postal Service in 1996 having worked in carrier and management roles across Schenectady and Scotia.
First Sergeant Becker’s legacy is as a tireless advocate for fellow Marines and Veterans. In 1973 he was a founding member of Marine Corps League Electric City Detachment #222, serving as Commandant for five terms, and helped to form seventeen new MCL detachments across New York. He is the past Commander of American Legion Post 1092, DAV Chapter 88 and Toys-For-Tots Chairman. His lifetime of service included eighteen years as Legislative Chairman for the National Marine Corps League, President of the Schenectady County Veterans Council and Chairman of the Rotterdam Veterans Committee.
In 1990-1992 he was elected and served as Commandant of New York State Marine Corps League. In 1997 he was honored with the Four Chaplains Humanitarian Award and from 1997-1999 served 50th National Commandant of the Marine Corps League which brought his advocacy to the National level and across many States to further aid and assist fellow veterans for their service to America.
Bob was recognized for his veterans advocacy in 2011 when he was named National Marine of the Year and in 2019 inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame as well as being recognized with many other distinctions in his lifetime of charity and service.
He also made time to be a member of the Fleet Reserve Association and AMVETS and even in his later years regularly drove the “VA VAN” to bring fellow veterans to the Albany VA Center. He is also enjoyed his service as an usher at St. Luke’s Church.
Visitation will be held on Monday July 13, 2026 at 6:00-8:00p.m. at Bond Funeral Home, 1614 Guilderland Avenue, Schenectady with Funeral Service starting at 11:30 on Tuesday July 14, 2026.
Bob will be interred at the Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marine Corps League Electric City #222, P.O. Box 3456, Schenectady, NY 12303 or the VETERANS MIRACLE CENTER in Albany https://www.vmcalbany.org/
The original obituary can be found at https://www.bondfuneralhome.com/obituaries/robert-becker-jr
