Obituary of Bertram Decker

Schenectady - Bertram Raymond Decker, Jr known to all as "Bert" , age 92, a lifelong resident of Schenectady, died on Friday, March 4, 2016, at home surrounded by his loving family. Son of Bertram R. Decker, Sr. and Amelia McCormick Decker. Went to Brandywine Avenue School, Central Park and graduated from Nott Terrace High School. After returning from military service , where he was Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Corp, stationed at Muroc Air Force Base (Edwards ARB), he attended Siena College. Married to the girl next door, Joan Marie Wagner Decker for 63 years. During his lifetime, he was involved in Knights of Columbus, The Empire State Marine Association, where he was President from 1983 to 1984, CO-OP Board member and a member of St. Kateri Tekakwitha (formerly Our Lady of Fatima Church). He started out working his father at Brandywine Motor Supply Company, subsequently becoming the owner in 1966. Always having a love of water and boats, opened Bert Decker Canoe Company in 1972. He was acknowledged by Old Town Canoe Company in 1985 for being the Top New York Dealer. He loved being with his family, camping and paddling in the Adirondacks, cruising on the "Amelia Rose" on the Great Sacandaga Lake, golfing, biking and listening to jazz, and big band music. Besides his beloved spouse, he has three (3) children, Kathleen Decker Mack (Charles), Granby, CT: James Decker (Janiece), Spring, TX; Patricia Decker Holloway (John) , Maricopa, AZ. Three grandchildren, Reese Decker, NY,NY; Ryan Decker , Houston, TX: Gregory Hoth, Chandler, AZ and two great grandchildren. A sister, Patricia Decker Gillespie (Arnold) of Niskayuna and a brother -in-law, Harold Wagner (Beverly), Port Lucie, FLA and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of Home Instead for their compassionate care and Community Hospice of Schenectady for their kindness and spiritual support. Funeral service Saturday morning March 12, 2016 at 10:00 at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church (Rosa Rd.) where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours, Friday afternoon 4:00 to 8:00 in the evening at Daly Funeral Home, Inc,. 242 McClellan St., Schenectady, NY. Interment, Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna with military honors. In lieu of flowers: Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY,12205; St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, 2216 Rosa Rd,. Schenectady, NY12309 or Faith United Methodist Church, 811 Brandywine Ave. Schenectady, NY 12308.