Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Decker, Joseph Michael May 17, 1973
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Robert Woolfitt http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00034.html#0008401 April 20, 2022, 4:08 pm

Virginian-Pilot  May 19, 1973
JOSEPH M. DECKER, 91, OWNER OF SCRAP FIRM

NORFOLK - Joseph Michael Decker, 91, of 4101 Colley Ave., who emigrated from 
Lebanon to Norfolk more than 70 years ago and built up one of the largest scrap 
companies in this area, died Thursday in a hospital.

Decker was president of Joseph M. Decker & Co.  Until he was hospitalized three 
months ago, he kept regular office hours, overseeing the company he founded.

Decker was among the founders of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and a member of 
the Norfolk Chapter of the Naturalized Citizens of America, an organization begun 
in 1955.  He was also a member of Norfolk Moose Lodge.

He was made a life member of Knights of Columbus in 1961 and was the oldest member 
of the organization in Virginia.

He was the son of Michael and Mrs. Rosa Barkett Decker and the husband of the late 
Mrs. Mary Zoby Decker.

Decker left his native village, Hardeen, Lebanon, in 1900 and arrived in Norfolk a 
few years later.  He began his scrap business by carrying metal in a backpack and 
later advanced to a horse-drawn buggy before opening the company yard at 23rd 
Street and Monticello Avenue.  The yard now covers a two-block area.

During World War II, Decker was too old for service in the military, but he aided 
the war effort by selling war bonds, an activity that was honored by three letters 
of commendation from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Decker was the father of 13 children, five of whom survive.

He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Fannie M. Decker and Mrs. Rosa Decker, and 
three sons, Thomas J. Decker, Peter J. Decker and William J. Decker, all of 
Norfolk; 18 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren.

The Rosary will be recited in H. D. Oliver Funeral Apartments Sunday at 8 p.m.

A Requiem Mass will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Catholic 
Church, 37th Street and Colley Avenue.  Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

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