Charles A. Decker Jr

Wynantskill-Charles (Charlie) Decker, Jr, 83, passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021 with his loving wife by his side.  Charlie was the son of the late Lillian Matthews Decker and Charles Decker Sr.  Charlie was raised in Watervliet where he cherished many lifelong friends.  After graduation, Charlie served in the US Navy on the USS Bristol.  Charlie then went on to have a family and worked for the Norton Company (now Saint Gobain) in Watervliet until he retired.  After his retirement, Charlie became a member of the North Greenbush Ambulance team and the Wynantskill Fire Department.  Charlie was an avid outdoorsman, accomplishing the 46 Adirondack peaks, and becoming a licensed NYS guide for rock climbing, ice climbing, caving, scuba diving divemaster, and ice diving (all after retirement).  Charlie was also an instructor with the high ropes program Project Adventure, where he encouraged others to challenge by choice.

Charlie married his loving wife Patricia (Vesely) in 1993 and they had many wonderful adventures together including exploring the glaciers in Alaska, descending into the Grand Canyon on mules, scuba diving in many tropical locations, hiking the top of dormant volcanos in Hawaii, and riding elephants in the jungles of Thailand.  When they weren’t traveling the world, they enjoyed square dancing events and spending time with family.  They had a beautiful life together.

In addition to his wife, Charlie is survived by his children, Johanna (Troy) Gascoyne of East Aurora, NY, Leah Priddy of Keller, TX, Ellen (Christian) Mesley of Rotterdam, Matthew (Christina) Decker of Averill Park; and David Vesely of Thailand.  He was the proud grandfather of his dear grandchildren; Louisa Gascoyne, Paige Priddy, Deanna, Nicholas, Maura and Andrew Mesley, and Matthew and Anthony Decker.  He loved spending time with these kids, watching their sporting events, concerts, and dance recitals.  He was incredibly proud of each one of them.

Charlie loved the outdoors, and loved animals – especially dogs.  He was known to carry extra dog treats and would light up at the opportunity to make friends with a new furry friend.  Charlie had amazing blue eyes, a bright smile and an infectious laugh that we will all miss dearly.

Family and friends are invited and may call on Monday December 20, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Wynantskill Funeral Home 294 Whiteview Road, Wynantskill. Funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday 10:00 am at St. Jude the Apostle Church 43 Brookside Avenue, Wynantskill. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Watervliet.

Those wishing to remember Charlie in a special way may choose to make a memorial contribution to the Wynantskill Fire Department, the Community Hospice, or the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.

Please visit www.wynanstkilfh.com

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