Lynbrook's GOP is Becker-free for first time in 70 years

For the first time in more than 70 years, there is no Becker at the helm of the Lynbrook Republican Party.

Nassau Legis. Francis X. Becker Jr., who has been GOP area leader in Lynbrook for nearly a decade, quietly stepped down from the post in May in favor of Assemb. Brian Curran.

"It's hard to let go. There's so much family history and tradition," Becker said. "We called it the Becker dynasty, but there was no castle." He said his brother Hilary Becker considered taking over but it "didn't make sense" with his business. However, he added, Curran is "just about adopted" into the family because he helped the lawmaker win both the mayor's job and his Assembly seat. "We're all very close."

Another brother, Gregory Becker, also served as area leader for a decade. Before that, their uncle Robert Becker served for 25 years. And their grandfather Frank Becker, a former assemblyman and congressman, also served as Lynbrook GOP leader, going back to about 1945. -- Rick Brand