Obituary for John Henry Decker
Sharon – John H. Decker of Sharon, CT died October 2, 2021 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, NY following a brief illness. John was born in Sharon on October 14, 1945. He was the son of the late Henry “Hank” and Dorothy (Mason) Decker. His first few years of life were spent in Millerton, NY before moving to Sharon. His father, Hank, was the very first caretaker of the Sharon Audubon Society and he worked closely with the founders of Sharon Audubon. John attended Housatonic Valley Regional High School, where he met his future wife, the late Linda Farley.
John was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he represented his country with honor. After completing his basic training, he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart before deployment. John served as a mechanic in Vietnam and completed many successful covert missions to deliver supplies to operators in the field. Although his missions were perilous, his dedication to supporting his fellow soldiers was paramount to his own safety.
Once he was honorably discharged, he returned to Connecticut to begin his career and start a family. John served as the Grounds Superintendent at the Hotchkiss School, during his time there he was instrumental in the multiple changes in both the structure and design of the existing golf course. He earned his certification in turf grass management from the University of Massachusetts. Following his tenure at Hotchkiss, he completed his career at the Sharon Country Club, serving as their Superintendent until his retirement. Once retired, John dedicated much of his time supporting local charitable organizations, by cooking for their events and helping deliver meals during the holiday season. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren very much.
John is survived by his son, Thomas and his wife Linda; his daughter, Tammy and her life partner Dylan; three grandchildren, Nathan John, Tyler John and Chloe Mae; his step-grandson, Christopher; his brothers, Alan and James Decker and several nieces and nephews and many friends. He was predeceased by a brother, Richard Decker and a sister Jeanette Routhier.
John’s celebration of life will be held at Hillside Cemetery in Sharon, CT on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10 am. All are welcome. Pastor William Mayhew will officiate. Burial with standard military honors will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Fire Department Ambulance Squad, P.O. Box 357, Sharon, CT 06069. To send flowers, plant a tree in John’s memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home in Millerton, NY.
John was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he represented his country with honor. After completing his basic training, he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart before deployment. John served as a mechanic in Vietnam and completed many successful covert missions to deliver supplies to operators in the field. Although his missions were perilous, his dedication to supporting his fellow soldiers was paramount to his own safety.
Once he was honorably discharged, he returned to Connecticut to begin his career and start a family. John served as the Grounds Superintendent at the Hotchkiss School, during his time there he was instrumental in the multiple changes in both the structure and design of the existing golf course. He earned his certification in turf grass management from the University of Massachusetts. Following his tenure at Hotchkiss, he completed his career at the Sharon Country Club, serving as their Superintendent until his retirement. Once retired, John dedicated much of his time supporting local charitable organizations, by cooking for their events and helping deliver meals during the holiday season. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren very much.
John is survived by his son, Thomas and his wife Linda; his daughter, Tammy and her life partner Dylan; three grandchildren, Nathan John, Tyler John and Chloe Mae; his step-grandson, Christopher; his brothers, Alan and James Decker and several nieces and nephews and many friends. He was predeceased by a brother, Richard Decker and a sister Jeanette Routhier.
John’s celebration of life will be held at Hillside Cemetery in Sharon, CT on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10 am. All are welcome. Pastor William Mayhew will officiate. Burial with standard military honors will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Fire Department Ambulance Squad, P.O. Box 357, Sharon, CT 06069. To send flowers, plant a tree in John’s memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home in Millerton, NY.