- February 13, 2025
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Douglas Dale Decker was born to Mildred Sarah Smith Decker and Henry Frank Decker in rural Alfred, New York on June 23, 1927. He was raised on the family chicken farm which left him with a permanent aversion to chicken.
Doug graduated high school at the age of 17 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant Junior Grade/Navy Fitness Officer during wartime in 1944. He was selected for the prestigious V-12 Navy College Training Program. He received education on radar systems before being stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Saipan. Doug left the Navy in 1950 and returned to Rochester, N.Y. to use his skills and experience for a better paying job. He worked for Taylor Instruments Company which was well known for specializing in medical thermometers. Later he went to work for the Rochester Valve and Fitting Company which he eventually purchased from his boss and owner. Decades later he sold the company to his son and retired to Florida.
Doug left this world in the early morning hours of January 17, 2025. He leaves behind his son, Douglas Decker Jr., daughter-in-law, Marian, grandchildren, Kristin (Henry) Rubright, Eric Decker, and Lauren Decker. He is predeceased by his daughter, Christine Nash, who he called Boots” was killed in an accident. He leaves behind his beloved friend and partner Margo Usher.
Doug really liked people and enjoyed volunteering at the Advent Health Hospital for many years, driving the cart to carry people back and forth to their cars. He liked being able to ease some of their anxiety by driving past the lovely ponds and even joking with some. Everyone liked him because he was not only friendly, but genuinely caring.
Doug was a deacon at Hammock Community Church for many years. He enjoyed greeting people as they entered the church and helping to guide them to their seats. He even cared for a tree in the parking area that developed a hole where a branch was broken off. He nursed that tree back to health and called it his tree after that.
Douglas Decker was a kind, caring, and wise person with a wonderful sense of humor who will be greatly missed by many.
