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Maurice M. Decker Jr.
1925-2013 SHEFFIELD Maurice M. Decker, 88, died Sunday October 20, 2013 surrounded by his loving family at the home of his son Dennis and his wife Lori in Housatonic. He was born in Stockbridge, MA on April 1, 1925 son of Maurice M. Sr. and Blanche Bacon Decker. He attended local schools and was a 1943 graduate of the former Williams High School. During World War II Maurice proudly served his country in the United States Infantry serving with the 25th Division, he was the recipient of many ribbons among them were the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon, the Good Conduct Ribbon, and the Bronze Star . He worked as a foreman for the former Monument Mills for many years, then he worked for the Mass Highway Dept. for 32 1/2 years retiring in 1990 as a State \Foreman. He was a special police officer for the Great Barrington Police Dept. for 21 years and also a Berkshire County Sheriff. He also served as President of the Special Police Association. Maurice was a life member of the James A. Modolo VFW, where he served as Commander five times; he was also voted State Commander, and District 9 Commander, two of the highest ranks attainable in the V.F.W. He was a member of the Adams-Budz Post #8183, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #513, a member of the Sheffield American Legion Post#340, and the Sheffield Conservation Board, a housing board member and recreation committee member for the town of Great Barrington. Maurice enjoyed mowing and caring for his lawn, collecting farm tractors, and traveling. His wife, the former Ruth Brace whom he married in St. Mary's Church, Lee on October 5, 1946, predeceased him on November 15, 2012. Maurice is survived by two sons, Richard and his wife Evelyn of Great Barrington, and Dennis and his wife Lori of Housatonic; three daughters, Nancy Flynn of Sheffield, Christine Cross of Housatonic, and Deborah Goerlach and her husband Gary of Great Barrington; an adopted brother Ken Kushi of Sheffield; a sister Dorothy Cronin of Great Barrington; 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Besides his wife Ruth, Maurice was predeceased by a son, Ronald L., who died September 3, 1964. FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for Maurice M. Decker Jr, who died October 20, will be held on Friday October 25, at 11:30 a.m. at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME with the Reverend William P. Murphy officiating. Burial with Military Honors, under the direction of the Adams-Budz Post #8183 will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME, on Thursday October 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Maurice's memory may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of funeral home at 33 South Street, Great Barrington, MA. 01230. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
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Decker family, I am sorry for your loss. I am sure your dad rests peacefully with your dear mom. Regards from Colleen Dog Groomer
October 27, 2013
to the decker Family,
Sis Crown, was our main contact thru the Decker family, I always remember grat Sunday afternoons at their house! my Mom, grandmother and us kids would vist! my heart goes out to you at this time! I just lost my dad last month and it still has been tough but we know they are all in heaven having a good family reunion.
Love to you all
Sherry. A Steuerwald-Shook
October 27, 2013
sorry about your Dad! a good man. he will be missed.
barbara chamberlin
October 27, 2013
A beautiful service this morning. Your Dad and Mom are looking down from heaven with great pride. I hope your Dad bumps into my Dad and lets him know we miss him very much.
Thank you for sharing the celebration of your Dad's life with me.
Michelle Costa Loubert
Michelle Costa Loubert
October 25, 2013
To the Decker family ---- very sorry to hear of Morris' passing. I remember the great times everyone use to have at the VFW in the good ole days. Both Ruth and Morris were truly great people .....I am grateful to have known them......and am sure I will see them again.....just have a shot of brandy waiting for me
Irene Zucco
October 23, 2013
To the Decker family, we send our sincere sympathy and are sorry for your loss. Your dad was a fine person, and will surely be missed. May God comfort you at this difficult time.
Pete and Eileen Czaja
October 23, 2013
to the decker family our deepest sympathy, Darryl and Elizabeth Austin.
October 23, 2013
Nancy & family: sorry to read of your Dad's passing. May he R I P. my condolences to u & your family
hope frink (dunham)
October 22, 2013
To the Decker Family. I'am truly sorry for the loss of your Dad. Both your parents were great people. And will be misted. The are both together in Heaven now.
Muriel (Moe) Cassidy
October 22, 2013
Dear Nancy, Chris, Debbie, Rick, and Dennis and the Decker Family, I was so sorry to read of the passing of your Dad. He is now with your Mom. They belong together. I have some wonderful memories of them and all of you. Please know You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May they both rest in peace.
Much love, Kathy and family
Kathy Marchisio
October 22, 2013
Chris,Jason, Tania Our thoughts and prayers with all the family at this time may memories bring you comfort in days ahead.
Love Uncle Paul & Aunt Jane
PAUL & Jane Hodgdon
October 22, 2013
Dear Rick and Debbie,
We are so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Thank you for the love you shared with us in our recent loss. So many AWESOME MEMORIES growing up together. PLEASE KNOW IF I COULD BE AT THE SERVICE, I WOULD.. Love you x0x0 R.i.p. Maurice, your with the love of your life...
Jim and Nora Eichstedt Gop
October 22, 2013
To the Decker Family,
Dan and I were so sorry to hear of the passing of Maurice. I will always remember all the great get together's we got to share with him and your Mom. May you memories of all that you shared, give you some comfort.
Our thoughts and prayer are with all of you at this time.
Barb & Dan Gage
Barb & Dan Gage
October 22, 2013
My prayers and thoughts are with your family in this difficult time ... I am sure your dads legacy will carry on ..And I am so glad I got to be a part of the decker family
Much love
Darleen
Darleen zradi
October 22, 2013
Sorry for your Families Loss...
edward lawrence
October 22, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Decker family. My you rest in peace.
Janice Crine
October 22, 2013
Maurice's journey here is over,he is now a spirit in the sky with his beloved Ruth.To all left here to finish their journeys he left wonderful memories to cherish.Healing love and prayers to all The Decker Family's....
Teri Moro
October 22, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Nick and Betty Wool
October 22, 2013
Maurice was a special person to many. Not just family. He will surely be missed. He always introduced me as his brother, never mentioning me being adopted. This always made me feel good.
I am away until 29th October and will not be able to make the funeral. But my thoughts will be with all the family!!!
I don't think Maurice ever realized how the loss of Ronny had effected my life.
Ken Kushi
October 22, 2013
On behalf of a grateful Nation, thank you Maurice for your selfless service to this incredible country as part of the greatest generation of our time. MIchael Casey, Commander, VFW Post 8183
Michael Casey
October 22, 2013
My sympathies to the Decker families. Lori did an amazing job caring for Maurice. Rest with angels Maurice!!
Angela Scapin
October 22, 2013
Im so sorry for your loss,please know that all of you are in my prayers
Joan Wood
October 22, 2013
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