Obituary of Richard Decker

Richard E. Decker, 81, of Lockport, N.Y., passed away Thursday November 17, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer, while under the care of his loving family and Niagara Hospice. Born October 14, 1930 in Oneonta, NY, he was the son of the late Firman H. and Lillian (Gross) Decker. He married Helen L. Roeseler of Lockport on September 24, 1955 and has since resided in the area. Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and served from 1950 to 1954, during the Korean War aboard the USS Noa DD 841 as a pipefitter. He was awarded the Korean Ribbon, United Nations Medal, Navy Occupational Medal and the National Defense Service Medal for his service. In 1949, Richard joined the Carpenter's Union in Illion, NY. Later, he worked in the Lockport area through the Carpenter's Local Union 280 as both a millwright and a carpenter. He worked on the Robert Moses Power Project as well as many other jobs and projects in Western New York until retiring in 1991 as a millwright. In July 2010, Richard was recognized for his 61 years of service in the union. Richard was an active outdoorsman, avid deer hunter and fisherman, especially enjoying ice fishing with Randy. He loved farming and gardening, raising enough vegetables to share with his family and many friends and neighbors. Being a great dancer, he loved to waltz and polka with his wife Helen. Yearly trips to Maine and other New England states were replaced in later years with vacations to Old Forge, NY. Family was very special to Richard and he and Helen would always attend family gatherings in spite of his failing health. He was a life member of the American Legion Post 410, the National Rifle Association, the Wilson Conservation Club and a past member of the Wrights Corners Volunteer Fire Company. Richard was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Lockport. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Helen L. (nee Roeseler) Decker of Lockport; and brothers Firman H. (June) Decker of Boonville, NY, George (Tanya) Decker of Mount Vision, NY; sisters-in-law Joyce (late Donald) Roeseler and Florence (late Otto) Balgemann; also survived by several dear nieces and nephews, special great-nieces and nephews and many good friends and neighbors. He was predeceased by a brother Charles Decker of Laurens, NY. Friends may call Tuesday 4-8 PM at Prudden &amp; Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 AM with the Reverend Alan Bauch officiating. Interment will be in Cold Springs Cemetery, Lockport, N.Y. with Military Honors. Donations to Niagara Hospice or a charity of one's choice, in Richard's memory, would be appreciated by the family. Visit www.pruddenandkandt.com. <h3>Visitation</h3> Friends may call Tuesday 4-8 PM at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport. <h3>Services</h3> Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 AM with the Reverend Alan Bauch officiating in the funeral home. <h3>Interment</h3> Interment will be in Cold Springs Cemetery, Lockport, N.Y. with Military Honors.