Belmont, NY – Robert F. Decker (affectionately known as Bob), 66, of Belmont, NY, passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer. His loving wife Gena was by his side. He was born on September 24, 1958, in Hornell, NY to parents Robert H. Decker and Lois (Gary) Decker.
Bob’s early childhood was spent in Almond, NY with his
sister Connie where they made life-long friends and accidentally set the hill
on fire. They soon moved to Wellsville,
NY, where he would graduate from Wellsville Central School in 1976. He was a
member of the high school basketball team, earning the nickname “Killer” from
his teammates. After graduation, he
attended SUNY Morrisville for Environmental Science, completing his schooling
in 1979. He went on to work at the Wellsville Wastewater Treatment plant from
1981-2002.
In 1999, the stars aligned when Bob did his first musical,
Jesus Christ Superstar, and met his soul mate, Gena (Simon) Decker. They were married on November 25, 2000, where
they joined their families together; Gena gaining two amazing stepchildren,
Katie and Jordan Decker, and Bob adopting Azure (McCumiskey) as his own. Soon after, they moved to their forever home
on the hill in Belmont. Bob was so proud
of the home that he built for his family.
Bob went back to school in 2002 at Alfred University where
he earned his master’s degree in School Psychology. In 2009, Bob joined the
Allegany Limestone Central School family working as their psychologist in
middle and high school. While there, he made a positive impact on countless
students, teachers, and staff who admired him for his calm and grounding
presence. Even after reluctantly retiring in 2021 he remained close with his
ALCS family, meeting for breakfast, shared love of music, and occasional golf
outings. In his last outing with friends, he and his golf partner finally won.
Bob was best known for his musical talent. He and Gena
hosted Open Mic Night at two places that became very near and dear to their
hearts; Black Eyed Susan in Angelica and The Palmer Opera House in Cuba. The
duo played at farmers markets, and many other venues throughout Allegany
County. They were also members of the band Sound Foundation. In his lifetime,
Bob learned to play the mandolin, banjo, ukulele, bass, and the drums. His
love, however, was the acoustic guitar. He loved James Taylor, and was proud to
have learned Frozen Man, a song that he considered to be difficult to learn,
but you would never know from watching him play.
Bob was a man with many interests. He found solace in
running, even completing two marathons. He took up yoga with Gena and enjoyed
hunting, hiking in the woods, and desired to be a better fisherman. Bob was an
amazing cook and soup was his specialty. “Always start with an onion” he would
say. He never met a dog that he didn't like. Every dog he owned held a special
place in his heart, especially his most recent pup, Winston Pug. Every July
found Bob and Gena dancing at The Great Blue Heron Music Festival. Bob enjoyed the simple life on the hill, and
found comfort splitting wood, working on the tractor, gardening, and sitting
around a campfire with his guitar and family.
Bob made friends easily with everyone he met. People were
drawn to his gentle, calming presence and grounding energy. He maintained 50
plus year friendships, gathering for stories, laughs, drinks, and music. Those
friendships meant so much to Bob. His impact on those close to him was made
evident with the countless phone calls, cards, impromptu musical gatherings,
and visits in his last few weeks.
The most important thing to Bob was his family. He had a
special relationship with all of his children, each having unique memories,
inside jokes, and a deep love for their dad. Bob had three grandchildren Gramm
(10), Quinn (6), and Faye (2) who loved their Papa dearly. He loved to host his
family for birthdays, holidays, or “just for fun” dinners where he ensured
everyone was fed and cared for. Bob’s greatest love in life was his wife of 24
years, Gena. The two shared a love of just being together, but often filled
their time with hiking, gardening, music, and grandbabies.
Bob is survived by: his wife Gena (Simon) Decker, his three
children, Katie Decker, Jordan Decker, and Azure (Ashton) McCumiskey; his
sister Connie (Cort) Dunham, nieces and nephews: Dan, Dara, and Deena, Uncle
Roger (Shirley) Gary, his sister-in-law Erin Simon, brother-in-law, Chris
Mortimer, and niece Kaisa Simon; in-laws Naysim and Jae Simon, and three
grandchildren: Gramm, Quinn, and Faye McCumiskey; as well as many, many close
friends that he considered to be like family.
He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Lois Decker.
Friends and family are invited to call on Friday December
13, 2024, from 4 to 7 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville,
NY, 34 West State Street. A funeral service will be held on Saturday December
14, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home. Following the service, ALL are
welcome to celebrate Bob’s life, share memories, food and drink, and enjoy time
together, at The Palmer Opera House, 12 West Main Street, in Cuba, NY. In lieu
of flowers, donations can be made to The Palmer Opera House, the SPCA, or your
charity or small business of choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
