Freddie Becchetti

He was born March 31, 1924 in the coal mining town of Dawson, New Mexico. His father was Frank Becchetti from Iron Mountain, Michigan. His Grandfather Domenico Becchetti immigrated from Italy in 1895 to work in the iron mines in Michigan. His mother was Dolores Velasquez whose mother, Georgia Velasquez, was part of the Tigua Indian tribe. Fred was always proud of his Italian and American Indian heritage.

Throughout his life he recounted many found memories of growing up in New Mexico. As a child in school he had many influential teachers, including the nuns at Holy Trinity Catholic School, in Raton, New Mexico, who taught him the love of learning and the love of dancing. Fred graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1942.

In 1943, the Army Air Corps called him to active duty in WWII. He was in the 8th Air Force 445th bomb group flying B-24 bombers. There after he flew 35 bombing missions over Germany and France. He survived a bailout over England in July of 1944.

After WWII he attended the University of New Mexico on the GI bill. He received a bachelor’s degree in education and Spanish American literature. At the University of New Mexico, he met his soon to be wife Vivienne Fleissner. Fred and Vivienne were married December 28, 1946, and thus began their 77 years of marriage filled with adventures. He continued his graduate education at the University of Missouri after their marriage.

Fred taught high school English and Spanish at Benson Union High School in Benson, Arizona. He taught there for 11 years. He served as Mayor of Benson for one summer.

In 1962 Fred joined the foreign service working with USIA, the United States Information Agency. With Vivienne at his side they loaded up three children and traveled to Latin America. His career spanned 27 years. He worked in Honduras, Venezuela, Panama, Mexico, Chile, Dominican Republic, Grenada, and Washington, DC. While in Honduras Fred and Vivienne had two more children.

His career with USIA afforded him the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people including the opera singer Leontyne Price, artist Roy Lichtenstein, musician Duke Ellington, novelist James Michener, pianist Malcolm Frager, various Presidents in the countries where he served, and President Jimmy Carter. He assisted Panama in the Pan American Games, hosted the Washington Ballet Company, and hosted a moon rock exhibit in Panama.

He retired in 1989 and spent many years traveling around the United States going to elder hostels where he took up water coloring. His paintings grace the walls of many friends and family members.

His best moments in retirement were spent in the spring and summer at a cottage in Kitty Hawk, NC. He and Vivienne were at peace and most relaxed when they were there. They lived in Annandale, VA and took part in a book club that spanned many years and many novels.

Freddie has been described as “bigger than life”, “a treasured friend”, and “a storyteller”. He delighted in his family and their accomplishments. He had a joyful spirit. He was sweet and engaging. Dinner parties and dancing were his passions. He was a prolific writer, documenting his long and interesting life and writing many poems.

He always said his wife Vivienne made the difference in his life and he would not have wanted it any other way. “And things have been right for 77 years. Through thunder and storm and winds and rain. Side-by-side they have lived, she a guide strong and wise. And not once has he ever heard her complain.”

He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Ernie and sister Lena. He is also predeceased by his wife Vivienne of 77 years. His sons Philip, Jerry, and Gary also went before him. He is survived by his son Larry Becchetti, his daughter Carole Gardner (Bob). He is also survived by his grandchildren Paul Gardner (Lindsay), Christine McGill (Chris). And five great grandchildren, Austin, Julia, Frank, Robert and George. He is survived by his niece Rosie Garcia.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nationalcremation.com for the Becchetti family.