Western Massachusetts community reflects on the memories 22News reporter Sy Becker brought to their lives

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Western Massachusetts communities are reflecting on the memories that 22News reporter Sy Becker brought to their lives after his passing.

Sy Becker has passed away after a short illness. He had a 60-year broadcast career, which spanned from radio, TV, and the internet. Sy Becker was well known for his boundless energy, his unmistakable voice, and of course, his movie reviews.

Congressman Richard Neal released a statement following his passing:

“Sy Becker was a superb newsman in every sense of the word. I had the pleasure of knowing Sy going back to his days at WSPR radio, where he was a one-man dynamo when it came to collecting the news. He had a great affinity for political life and earned the respect of countless public figures throughout his career. I fondly remember him for his movie reviews with 22News and for the pillar that he was in the western Massachusetts community. On this solemn occasion, my thoughts and prayers are with Sy’s family at 22News and the entire Becker family.”

Congressman Richard Neal 

Mayor Domenic Sarno of Springfield also issued a statement after his passing:

First of all, my sympathy, thoughts, prayers and encouragement to Sy’s family, friends and the 22 News team.  Sy’s institutional and historic knowledge and boundless energy were unquestioned and deeply appreciated.  Sy was a boxing aficionado and I always enjoyed our conversations on this subject.  When Parks and Facility Director Patrick Sullivan and I decided to do our ‘Movies in the Park’ initiative some years ago – Sy was our exclusive lead guy.  Now up in heaven and now showing is Sy bellowing out – “Here’s another look at the Movies!’  May God rest your soul Sy.  Your friend Domenic J. Sarno.

Mayor Domenic Sarno

Sy was a wonderful man who gave his whole life to his craft. I will always remember the kindness and advice that he has given me these last 25 years as I would see him in the news studio and ask his advice on the latest movie. His advice never disappointed.

Mark Teed, Senior Vice President of investments at Raymond James and Associates

Some of our 22News viewers have begun sharing what Sy meant to them on our Facebook page and the memories he holds in their hearts.

I really enjoyed him when I was a kid. I got to meet him once and he did his iconic looooook at the movies for me.

Ruth Evelyn

When I saw his picture I could hear his distinctive voice in my head. Met him once and he was as genuine a person as what you saw on screen, definitely an end of an era, thanks Sy for the memories.

Peter Sullivan

Condolences, I grew up with Sy on the news my entire life and loved seeing him at the St. Patrick’s parade.

Heather Ireland

Rest in Peace Sy Becker, I will always remember all of the years of your reporting on 22News. You interviewed some of my family members in those years. Your great love of your job showed through everyday. You will be missed. Prayers to your family and all of the friends you have made through those years.

Mary Fontanine

So very sad to hear this. Sy was a genuine unique local personality and loved what he did, and it showed. “Another Loook at the movies “ God Speed…

Brian J Conway

I want to extend my deepest condolences to the station. As I have worked with many news anchors throughout the years doing their hair at Digrigoli Salon, and on mass appeal on/off for 11 years, I was Sy Beckers hair dresser for the past I believe 8 years. It wasn’t too long ago I saw Sy in my chair and am saddened to know it was his last. He lived for telling his stories of growing up in New York, his days at the station, traveling to California, the people he met and interviewed and his life with his wife and children. He was always so excited to see photos and videos of my two young daughters and was so excited to see what they were going to be for Halloween. The last time I talked with him he reminisced on the days with his wife. I will truly cherish his life stories and the time I got to get to know him behind the camera, again I am truly sorry for this great loss. 

Kimberly Bruno

I’m no movie critic and am only 36 years old but can only hope and dream to see the 9000 films Sy saw. Now that being said I have a very distinct memory of Sy and it happened only in about 2017-2018 if I remember correctly. My fiancé Amanda had the two most memorable grandparents I can think of. I’m not sure how many people saw it but Sy came up to Shelburne Falls, MA, and did a story on The Shippees. They’re known all throughout New England (and I’m sure they have even been mentioned across the world) John & Donna Shippee were the sweetest and most loving elderly people I’ve ever come across. They lived on State Street in Shelburne for over 40 years (I believe) and Sy did a piece on them for a Toys For Tots donation because they were elderly and couldn’t make it down to the studio to donate but wanted EVERY kid to have a gift regardless. John Shippee had written a letter to the studio (or email… yes even in his 90’s) and Sy showed up at their house and did a little piece on them. John and Donna Shippe were avid 22News supporters and watchers. They’d make sure they’d have all their home health aides and appointments set to be finished early enough in their day to be home and ready to watch “Their” Judge Judy of course followed by the News at 5. Donna unfortunately passed in 2019 and John just on June 14, 2022, at 95 years young. I’ve never seen more energy and excitement than when Sy decided to make the trip to Shelburne to the Shippees JUST because an elderly couple wanted to make a Toys 4 Tots donation. I can say he not only made an impression on my life growing up but we’ll into my life now at 36. He put many smiles on endless faces and I hope he’s now with the Big Guy upstairs blessing everyone else in his new residency with just another “Looooooooooooooook at the Movies!!” Thanks again Sy and until next time

Seth Recore

To share your memories, comment on our Facebook post or email us at reportit@wwlp.com.