Thomas George Decker was born on July 30, 1949, here in Rochester, New York, the son of Marion (Culp) and Harold Decker. He was a Rochesterian through and through. He always knew a short cut down some side street. He was a real history buff about the Rochester area and a big foodie.
Tom was a dedicated family man. He just celebrated his 48th wedding anniversary with Barbara (LaVaque) Decker. He was so proud of his two children, Kathryn (Katie Caster) and James Decker. Tom loved it when they came home to visit. Katie’s husband, Mike Caster, gave him someone to share corny jokes with. He treasured family Sunday dinners and lively game nights that included his brothers-in-law John and Rob LaVaque. He recently had a visit from his granddaughter, Winnie, where everyone stood in amazement when he handed her the remote for the television (The only person he would share the remote with).
Over the years he had several pets…everything from lizards and snakes to cats and dogs. Mikey, however, was his best furry friend and companion for 17 years. Mikey could be found sitting at the breakfast table with Tom in the mornings. Together they would sit outside and watch the neighborhood activities every afternoon. Mikey’s ashes will be interred with Tom’s.
If you knew anything at all about Tom, you knew he was an avid race fan. For the past 48 years you would have been able to find him at Canandaigua Speedway (Land of Legends Raceway) every Saturday night. Tom always talked about the great people he knew there including those he sat with, and those he worked with while welcoming drivers through the gate and counting laps. He even took Barb to the Daytona 500 for their honeymoon because it was a good excuse to go. While Barb was traveling in Europe, Tom purchased his modified race car affectionately known as “The 20” . He worked to make it street legal and proudly drove it to many cars shows.
Tom treasured his friends. He was a good nonjudgmental listener. He would laugh or cry with you and always had a good story to tell. Even after retirement he made sure to stay connected to the folks at City News where he worked for many years.
Tom is also survived by his brother Dr. William Decker and wife Dr. Elizabeth Grubgeld , and his nephews Edward and Dr. Robert Decker.
His family would like to thank everyone for their kind words and sharing of memories.
Funeral Service Saturday March 8, 2025 10AM at White Haven Memorial Park All Seasons Chapel 210 Marsh Road, Pittsford. A reception will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, New York 14450 to celebrate his love for animals.
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