George A. Decker

Loudonville-George (Papa George) Arnold Decker, 71, of Loudonville passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2015. George was born in Rensselaer, NY, on November 2nd, 1943. He graduated from Rensselaer High School as part of the class of 1962, and joined the US Army. George served as a Heavy Armorer in the US Army active duty from August 1963 to August 1966, and the Army Reserve from August 1966 to August 1969, rising to rank of Corporal Specialist and earning a National Defense Service Medal. He married his wife, Kathleen (Nealon) Decker, on May 23, 1970; they were married for 45 years. George served as a Volunteer Rensselaer Firefighter for over 8 years, and worked for J Becker and Sons for over 40 years. He was an avid Yankee fan, Nascar fan, and a coach to both of his sons’ baseball and basketball teams. He was a lifetime member of the Latham Knights of Columbus, the Colonie Elks Lodge, and Watervliet Hibernians. George will be remembered as a loving husband, wonderful father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and supporting them at all their endeavors. He also loved traveling to his home in Valrico, FL. “Papa George” is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and two sons; Mike (Pamela) Decker, of Valrico FL and Mark (Elizabeth) Decker of Albany, NY. He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Arianna, Annaliese, Teagan, Ashlin, Hunter, and Callan. Funeral services Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 9:15 am from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Drive, Loudonville at 10:00 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Monday, July 27, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm in the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will follow the Mass at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville at 1:00 pm. Those wishing to remember George in a special way may send contributions to StayInStep, 10500 University Center Drive, Suite 130, Tampa, FL 33612 or by visiting www.stayinstep.org, an organization caring for veterans with spinal cord injuries. To leave George’s family a message on their guestbook, obtain directions or view other helpful services, please visit www.mcveighfuneralhome.com

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George A. Decker

November 2, 1943 - July 23, 2015