Obituary of Henry Decker Jr.

Henry Decker Jr., 86, lifelong resident of Travis, Staten Island, passed away on September 2, 2021. Henry leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years, Ruth Anne (Kiesewetter), daughter Diane Heinz (Michael), sons Henry III (Ellen), Thomas (Eileen), and John Decker. Also survived by grandchildren Jennifer Desteoglu (Steven), Brendan, Jaclyn Heinz, Max, Madison Decker, Thomas Jr., John Paul, and Jack Henry Decker, great-grandchildren Henry and Scarlett Desteoglu, step-grandson Matthew (Luisa) Heinz, dear sister Dorothy Olivieri, brother-in-law Edward McGee, and many loving nieces and nephews. Henry was pre-deceased by parents Henry Sr. and Marie, brother Robert Decker, sister Lillian McGee, and brother-in-law Anthony Olivieri. Henry grew up on the edge of the Richmond County Airport - current site of Con Edison - where he developed a love of planes. He built a gyrocopter in the 1970s and an ultralight later on. One of his most memorable times was winning a ride in a P51 Mustang at the Sussex NJ air show. He also had cherished memories of his old Indian motorcycle, enjoyed hunting, fishing, family card games, Willie Nelson, and traveling the country in their camper for over 40 years, Chincoteague Island being a favorite where he would go clamming. Henry is a member of the NYC Sanitation Retirees of Staten Island and was also a skilled mechanic and woodworker. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to A Very Special Place. A.V.S.P. 49 Cedar Grove Ave. S.I., NY 10306 or avspny.org. Visitation at the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Tuesday, 9/7, from 2:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm. A funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, 9/8, at 10:00 am in the funeral home, followed by interment in Ocean View Cemetery.