Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Decker, Peter Joseph January 29, 2010
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Virginian-Pilot  February 1, 2010
NORFOLK - Peter Joseph Decker, 88, went to be with the Lord Jan. 29, 2010. A 
lifelong Norfolk native, he was the son of Lebanese immigrants, Joseph Michael 
Decker and Mary Zoby Decker.

Peter graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1939 and attended The College of 
William and Mary, Norfolk Campus, as World War II began. At St. Mary's, he met the 
love of his life, his wife for 62 years, Irene N. Decker. After her passing in 
2005, his love for her only grew stronger.

Peter was an Army veteran of World War II, a soldier in the Second Armored 
Division. Peter saw battle in three major campaigns; first in North Africa, then 
onward to Sicily, and eventually into Italy. He was part of the "Greatest 
Generation" and was proud to have served.

After returning from Europe, he began a long career in his father's scrap metal 
business, Joe M. Decker Co. Inc. Working with his brothers and sisters, the family 
business was a fixture in Norfolk for many decades.

Peter was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He deeply 
loved his family, faith and country. He coached baseball for many years, teaching 
kids the right way to play the sport and live their lives. Peter was a devout 
Catholic, attending daily Mass for many years until his health worsened. He was 
also proud of his Lebanese heritage and his large extended family in the region. 
He was a charter member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Virginia 
Beach, member of the Knights of Columbus 9056, Sons and Daughters of Lebanon, 
Moose Lodge 39, VFW Post 4809, Military Order of the Cootie, Elks Lodge 38, and 
past vice- president of Norfolk Olympia Baseball.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 62 years, Irene N. Decker; 
sisters, Rose Decker, Fannie Decker, Geneva Decker, of Norfolk; and brothers, 
Thomas Decker, William Decker and Monroe Decker, of Norfolk.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Donna D. Rowland, and husband, Bob, 
of Virginia Beach; sons, Joseph M. Decker, of Virginia Beach, Stephen E. Decker, 
and wife, Dianne, Christopher B. Decker, of Norfolk; grandchildren, Jennifer 
Pruitt, Jesica Decker, Peter Decker, of Virginia Beach, Gloria Decker, of Moyock, 
N.C., Theresa Riggs and Christine Decker, of Norfolk; great-grandchildren, Farrah 
Decker, Shea Decker, Jackson Pruitt and Conner Stiehl.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at St. 
Gregory the Great Catholic Church, conducted by Father Mario Fulgenzi, OSB. The 
family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Kellum Funeral Home, 
Rosewood Chapel.

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