Christopher P. Decker Sr.

Christopher P. Decker Sr., 62, of Throop, formerly of Forty Fort, passed away Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, after a courageous battle with a brief illness.

He was the loving husband and best friend of his wife, Maureen Wagner Decker.

Born Jan. 6, 1961, in Wilkes-Barre, Chris, affectionately known as Decker, was the son of the late Peter Decker and Sarah Zengion Decker.

Raised in Forty Fort, Chris was a graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from King's College and his Juris Doctorate from Temple Law School.

Prior to his retirement, Chris was senior counsel at Highmark. He spent over two decades working at Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Highmark, where he made many lasting friendships. Chris also looked back fondly on his time spent at Nationwide Insurance as claims counsel.

When you think of Chris, you think of generosity, and a true gentleman who never spoke an ill word about anyone. He was a family man who radiated kindness and made everything more special.

A dedicated father, whenever Chris spoke of his son, Christopher Jr., affectionately known as "C," he often referred to him as his "Beloved Son." Not only were they father and son, they were each other's best friend. Chris proudly coached his son from age 5 to 16 in various sports including football, baseball, basketball and soccer. Chris made personal career changes so that he was available to coach his son. In his best man's speech at his father's wedding, "C" remembered fondly that his dad never missed a game even through his college sports career. Chris was so proud of the life "C" built with his wife, Elizabeth "Liz," who he loved and cherished as if she was his own daughter.

On Sept. 3, 2022, Chris finally married the love of his life, Maureen, or as he called her, his "Reenie." The two shared 20 years of friendship and memories, and found their way back to each other four years ago to begin their life as a couple. Chris was Maureen's "person" for as long as she can remember. He was a loving, dependable and supportive husband. The two of them just made each other better.

Decker was an avid sports fan which was exemplified by his lifelong hobby of playing APBA, Strat-O-Matic and Madden 95 on his Sega Genesis. He was also a diehard fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. If he wasn't watching a game, you could often find him catching up on a documentary, as he was also a fan of American history. One of his greatest passions was exercise - from running, biking and weight lifting to his daily walks with his sidekick, Lacey, he truly found joy in investing in his health.

Chris was a generous donor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a tradition passed down by his father who also supported the charity as it was founded by a fellow first-generation Lebanese American.

In addition to his wife, son and daughter-in-law, he is survived by his sister, Debby and her husband, Dr. Anthony Kossa; sister-in-law, Ann Marie Decker; mother-in-law, Joan Wagner; sister-in-law, Rose Striefsky and husband, Michael; brother-in-law, Greg Wagner and wife, Kristen; and numerous nieces and nephews who he treated as children of his own.

In addition to his parents, Peter and Sarah, Christopher was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Peter Decker.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of Geisinger Community Medical Center and The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for their dedicated and compassionate care.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Chris's viewing from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Wroblewski Funeral Home Inc., 1442 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. A celebration of his life will commence at 5 p.m. - family and friends are encouraged to share their special memories of Chris.

To share your fondest memories of Chris, visit the funeral home's website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

The family has kindly requested that flowers be omitted and that, in lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions be made in Chris's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or by visiting www.stjude.org/donate.