Roland Grant Decker
Roland Grant Decker of Brooklyn, Conn., passed away on Oct. 26, 2014. He was born on Feb. 18, 1926, to the late Paul Revere Decker and Ruth Noll Decker of Montgomery. He was the husband of Eleanor Myers Decker for over 50 years.
Mr. Decker attended local Montgomery schools and served in the U.S. Army in World War II as a rifleman in the 1st army infantry in Germany in 1944-45, participating in combat, and was discharged with a medical disability. Using the GI Education Bill, he graduated from Lycoming College, Williamsport, and Bucknell University in Lewisburg, with business and education degrees. Mr. Decker taught school in Big Timber, Mont. He worked at Armour Leather Co. in Chicago and as a manufacturer’s representative of upholstered furniture for Isaac C. Decker Co. and other companies in New England and Eastern New York State territories for close to 50 years until 2011.
Mr. Decker played high school and college basketball, was a member of the Chaplin Hunting Camp since 16 years of age, and hunted every year with the exception of during WWII. He was a fisherman, golfer and avid member of the Toast Masters International where he served as local chapter president. He was a dedicated member of the Westfield Congregational Church in Danielson, having served as lay moderator and on many committees. He and his wife were co-chairs of the 200th Anniversary committee at the church in 2001.
Mr. Decker was a gentleman as well as a dedicated husband and family man who loved playing with and mentoring his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed visiting with or playing a spirited game of bridge with friends. He had a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, which enabled him to be self-employed most of his life.
Survivors include a daughter, April Decker Dunlap and husband Stephen Dunlap, of Orchard Park, N.Y.; son, Thomas Decker and wife Melody Decker, of Willimantic, Conn.; grandchildren, Michael and Holly Decker and Heather and Carissa Dunlap; and great-granddaughter, Emma Decker. Survivors also include a sister, Marion Decker McCormick, of Montgomery; a brother, Paul Revere Decker Jr., of Williamsport; and nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by brothers 1st Lt. Aaron Decker and 2nd Lt. Delmar Decker, both were killed in action in WWII.
The funeral service was held 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at Westfield Congregational Church, 210 Main St., Danielson, Conn. Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, in Fairview Cemetery in Montgomery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westfield Congregational Church Aspire Campaign. To leave an online condolence, please visit tillinghastfh.com.