John Becci, Jr.

John Becci, Jr, 93, of Bound Brook, NJ., died January 3 of Covid. He was born in Mt. Vernon NY to Giovanni and Guglielmina (Boccaccio) Becci. He was part of the Greatest Generation, entered the Army, trained with Intelligence and Reconnaissance and prepared for the invasion of Japan. Arriving off Nagasaki, he was assigned to the Occupation of Japan. His final duty was with the 24th Division of Fukuoka. He married the love of his life, Christine Papa, celebrating their 72nd anniversary in September. They raised 2 daughters and settled in Bound Brook. He built his own house and worked as a Mason Contractor, building many structures in Bound Brook and surrounding areas. He was a Fireman, as part of the Ivy Hook and Ladder Co., President of the PTA, President of the CYO, active in St. Joseph's Church, sang with the Hounds of Harmony, and was part of American Legion Post 63, serving as the Grand Marshall of the Memorial Day parade. John was a Renaissance Man, taking up painting and pottery in his late 80s, at the urging of his daughter, Carol. He was also a prolific writer, published a book of his writings and drawings, and had a notebook of several more poems and essays, that are cherished by his family. He is survived by his wife, Chris Becci, daughters Jeanne Newell (Dwight Newell) and Carol Becci-Youngs (Ed Youngs), sister Gloria Gleason, 4 grandsons, Brooks (LynneMatias), Kyle (Devon Lewis), Shane (Jessica Catera),and Reese Newell,(Isabela Faria) and 8 great-grandchildren, Mason, Capriana, Essex, Braxton, Carter, Siena, Colton,and Emma. John was a devoted family man and friend. His family loved him and looked to him for guidance and support. Those who knew him always spoke of him fondly. He is predeceased by his brother, Aldo and sister, Elizabeth. A service will be held at Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home on February 8 at 9 am, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's Church in Bound Brook at 10.am. John's final resting place will be at General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ. Donations can be made in his name to American Legion Post 63 or Wounded Warrior Project.