Igor Vanderfobian, aka Richard A “Dick” Beckmann
1936 – 2025
Dick Beckmann has passed away after an extended illness, surrounded by family and friends.
Dick was predeceased by his wife Joan of almost 50 years in 2009, and his brother Benjamin in 1986. He is survived by his children Rich Jr, and his wife Susan of Manchester MA, daughter Kathy (Barraco) and her husband Steven of Huntington NY, his grandchildren Sarah Beckmann of Somerville MA, Alex Beckmann of Easton PA, William Barraco of Ithaca NY, and Kaitlyn Barraco of Harrisonburg VA, as well as his sister Penelope Steindl and her husband Robert of Southington, CT; also dozens of cousins, nephews, nieces and God-children
Dick was famous and mostly appreciated for his straight faced jokes, one liners and ability to find humor in almost anything. Right to the end, Dick was entertaining his healthcare teams with a smile.
An avid storyteller, Dick amused and frightened children for generations with his stories: The Locusts, Land of the Blind, The Green Ooze and many more.
Dick grew up in Merrick NY where he attended Mepham High School. His family enjoyed boating in the Great South Bay, often taking excursions to New England and the Massachusetts coast.
All his life Dick was a Patriot, an avid student of US and maritime history, as well as the US National Parks. Dick served in the US Army ROTC program after his college years at Hofstra University. His deep interest in the US Civil War was of particular note, often in recent years wearing his “Civil War Vet” tee shirt, with a smile.
A career salesman in the printing and packaging industry, Dick developed and maintained lifelong, profitable relationships for his employers with some of the largest food and candy customers in the world, including Nabisco, General Foods, Lifesavers and Frito-Lay. His career took his family from Long Island to Rochester NY, Ridgefield CT, Potomac MD, and back to Huntington NY.
After retiring with wife Joan to Southold full time, Dick entertained visitors, family and friends on the North Fork; hosting countless reunions, Beckmann Weekends, and also marine / fishing excursions and adventures on “Sales Call”, his Grady White cruiser in Peconic Bay, around Shelter Island, and in “Plum Gut”.
An active walker in retirement, Dick enjoyed his many friends and neighbors in Southold on his daily “six mile walk”, although that figure is in dispute and was often debated.
During his illness Dick was grateful to have the support of his local friends, family and visitors. Seeing people was a lifeblood for him, always a meaningful uptick to his spirits and strength.
Dick will be missed by many. In his memory his family asks that people consider going for a walk today, and/or give a joy buzzer or a whoopie cushion to a kid, with a wink.
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