Obituary of Wayne E. Decker

Mr. Wayne E. Decker, 86, of Utica, passed peacefully on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Utica with his beloved wife Gail at his side.

Wayne was born on July 3, 1936, the son of the late Glenn and Edna (Fregen) Decker. Wayne was raised in Utica and educated at Utica Free Academy.

On April 26, 1958, he married the love of his life Patricia “Gail” Connelly, a blessed union of 64 years. Wayne was employed for many years by General Electric in their Print Shop and then Purchasing Departments. After the closing of General Electric in Utica he then worked for Bank of America, Utica, in their Print Shop Department.  Wayne was an avid runner and he was proud that he ran 38 consecutive Boilermakers.  In his spare time, he participated within the basketball and softball MUNY leagues, officiated numerous sports mainly basketball and soccer, participated within the Senior games and enjoyed to go fishing.

Mr. Decker is survived by his wife Gail, sons Randy Decker and his wife Laurie, David Decker and his wife Denise, TN. grand children Cameron Spanfelner, Claire, Derek, Ryan, Brandon Decker, Joseph Bellafonte, great grandson Easton Spanfelner and several nieces and nephews.  Wayne was predeceased by a daughter Jeanine Bay, sisters LeElla Jones, Elaine Decker, Norma Ellis and a brother Richard Decker.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Wayne’s memorial Mass of Christian burial on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 11AM from St. Joseph & Patrick Church, 702 Columbia Street, Utica.  Interment will take place at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Wayne’s name can be made to American Heart Association, 125 Business Park Drive, #106, Utica, NY., 13502.