Ralph A. Decker

Ralph A. Decker, 85, of Pittsfield passed away Thursday evening, November 2, 2017. Born May 22, 1932, he was the son of Ralph O. and Estelle Richards Decker. Ralph attended Pittsfield Schools and earned an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Berkshire Community College. Ralph was a proud seaman in the US Navy, serving from 1951 until 1954 during the Korean War. He was assigned to Key West, FL aboard the submarine rescue vessel, the ASR-12 USS Penguin. He earned the National Defense Medal. A lifelong resident of Pittsfield, Ralph spent 33 years as a Fireman for the City of Pittsfield Fire Department, rising to the rank of Lieutenant and Acting Captain. Ralph took pride in his community and was an active member of the Pittsfield Senior Center and the Pittsfield Permanent Fire Association. For 28 years he was a Friend of Bill Wilson. On August 28, 1979, he became the Commander of American Legion Post 68, Pittsfield. Ralph leaves behind his wife, the former Mary Lou Powers, whom he married on October 2, 1954 at St. Mark’s Church. He leaves his children: Donna Decker and her partner John Sharp, Glen Decker and his wife Karen, Juliann Decker and her husband Christopher DePierro, and Maribeth Decker-Daoust and her husband Michael Daoust. He also leaves one sibling, Raymond Decker. He will be dearly missed by his 8 grandchildren: Caitlin Francis, Alyssa Catlin, Courtney Decker, Kellan Reck, Cory Decker, Brendan Daoust, Carly Decker, and Bridget Daoust. As well, his three great-grandchildren: Austin Shepard-Decker and Samantha and Sadie Catlin. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Barbara Fontaine and his brother Robert Decker. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Ralph A. Decker will be Monday, November 6, 2017, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Charles Church, celebrated by the Rev. Michael J. Wood, Jr., Administrator. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Sunday, November 5, 2017 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center Supportive Day Program or Mt. Greylock Extended Care Activities Program, care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, in his memory. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MAD EONLINE, BUT MAY BE MADE THROUGH THE DWYER FUNERAL HOME.

Ralph A. Decker

May 22, 1932 - November 2, 2017