Howard E. Decker

Howard E. Decker, 82 of Fitzwilliam, NH died Monday, January 6, 2014 at the Cheshire Medical Center in Keene after a period of failing health. Mr. Decker was born on July 18, 1931 in Cadyville, NY, son of the late Peter S. and Bertha (Carson) Decker. He attended schools in West Chazy, NY and immediately following school he enlisted with the US Army and served in Korea. After his honorable discharge from the Army, the Air Force had opened a base in Plattsburg, NY, so Mr. Decker transferred in to serve the remainder of his military career with the US Air Force. He served our country again in Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and in Holland, and retired from active duty in 1974. After moving to Fitzwilliam in 1984, Mr. Decker worked at several local businesses like D.D. Beans and Millipore, and had been the manager at the T-Bird Gas Station in Jaffrey for many years. The position he enjoyed the most was being the ‘bulldog’ at the lumber gate at Belletete’s. Mr. Decker was an avid fisherman and will always be remembered for ‘calling’ the fish to his hook. He was also considered a chain saw master by many who worked with him. But it was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren that meant the most to Mr. Decker and he had cherished earning their ‘Most Valuable Grandpa’ award. Mr. Decker was preceded in death by his beloved dog Shorty. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Eleanore (Facteau) Decker of Fitzwilliam, and his four daughters; Debra Rudy and her husband Dan of Fitzwilliam, Donna Young of Worcester, MA, Tammy Van Wart and her husband Richard of Leicester, MA, and Terry Ann Decker of Fitzwilliam; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; his two sisters; Rose Liberty and her husband Carl of Peru, NY, and Pearl Burdeau and her husband Arnold of Plattsburg, NY; his special brother-in-law, Ray Archambault of Redford, NY; his sister-in-law Lucille Chandler of Fitzwilliam and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Friends and family are warmly invited to calling hours on Friday, January 10, 2014 from 5:00 to 8:00PM at the Cournoyer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 33 River Street, (Route 202) Jaffrey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 11, 2014, at 11:00AM in St. Patrick Church, 89 Main Street, Jaffrey. Rev. Wilfred Deschamps will officiate. Military Honors will be rendered after Mass and burial will take place at the convenience of the family. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in Mr. Decker’s memory to the Monadnock Region Humane Society, 101 W. Swanzey Rd, Swanzey, NH 03446. http://thetributecenter.com/tributeplayer/default.aspx?webvideoid=12347