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Daniel Decker Obituary
Daniel was born May 7, 1946, in Wilkes-Barre, son of the late Daniel and Clara Yazbeck Decker. He was a graduate of E.L. Meyers High School, Class of 1964, and attended King's College and The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.
Daniel was last employed by Hospice Community Care as an admissions counselor. He was formerly employed as director of Sports Wagering Clinic, Wilkes-Barre; as an owner/operator of Deckour's Beer Distributor, Wilkes-Barre; and at various positions in health care sales.
Daniel was a member of the Knights of Lebanon; Forty Fort Lions; and Redick's "Breakfast Club," where he helped raised thousands of dollars for needy families. He loved playing Santa Claus for various charitable organizations.
Daniel was a member of St. Anthony/St. George Maronite Church, Wilkes-Barre, where he was a member of church council and many church functions, especially the bazaars and dinners.
Daniel and Janice loved to travel throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He had a zest for life, having had a kidney transplant in 1990, and heart and kidney transplant in 2004. He took great joy in cooking, eating, and laughing, which he shared with his family and many friends. All will sadly miss Danny and his spontaneous sense of humor. He was an avid New York Yankees fan along with Penn State.
He is survived by his "wife," Janice Swanberry; daughter, Dana Decker and her fiance, Matthew Kopicki, Killington, Vt.; sons, Daniel Decker and wife, Sylvia, Wilkes-Barre; John Decker, Killington, Vt.; stepsons, Michael Swanberry and wife, Sariya, Saigon, Vietnam; Jeffery and wife, Lauren Swanberry, Pittston; grandchildren, Amelia Travers, Ashley Decker, Ryan and Alyssa Swanberry; brother and sister, Donna Bedwick, Wilkes-Barre; Philip and wife, Judy Decker, Dallas; and several nieces and nephews.
Daniel was preceded in death by a brother, John Decker; and niece, Leanne Bedwick.
The funeral will be held Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. from Mamary-Durkin Funeral Home Inc., 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Anthony/St. George Church, Wilkes-Barre. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township.
Friends may call Monday, 4 to 7 p.m., with a wake service at 7 p.m., at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Leanne Bedwick Scholarship Fund of the Luzerne Foundation; or Hospice Community Care Fund, 601 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, PA 18704.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Decker
Ed Saylor
May 15, 2010
Danny was always such a great guy. When you met Danny, I don't believe there was anyone in the world who didn't immediately like him and think of him as a special person. I always enjoyed our high school reunions for Meyers 64'. I know that he went through a lot over the last several years. I admired Danny's attitude when dealing with adversity and wish the world was filled with many more people like Danny Decker. He will be sorely missed by all of his family and friends. It has been an honor to have known him and consider him a friend for so many years. May your soul rest in peace.
Maggy Gay Robinson
May 14, 2010
Awwww Danny - we are really going to miss you. Meyers reunions will never be the same. You were such a joy to be with.
Carm Corallo Sosik
May 13, 2010
To the Decker Family-We were so sorry to hear about Danny who with his family were neighbors and friends of ours for many years. Not living in the area, I have lost contact but I was very pleased to read that he led such a rich and full life. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Nora Ann & David Koury Britton
May 13, 2010
Dear Janice and to all of the Decker Family.
Our sincere heartfelt condolences to all of you at this time of loss. Danny was like a brother to me growing up. We spent a lot of time together with my brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and friends. He was a great inspiration. We sat at many kitchen tables together where Danny would give of himself. I have been away from Wilkes-Barre off and on my adult life but when I would return I would see Danny. Many people all over the world will miss him. In memory of a beautiful life…a life that touched many!
God bless all of you in this time of loss. My prayers are with you.
May 12, 2010
Dear Janice & Decker Family, When you lose someone very precious, no one else can really know all that you feel. But please know that caring thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow. May God comfort you at this most difficult time. Sincerely, Patti (Martin) Brojakowski-McDermott --(Class of 64)
john jack etter sr.
May 12, 2010
dear janice we are so sorry to hear of dannys passing please exvcept our condolences
sincerley,
john l etter sr.
and
sharon kuzmitsky
Carol Bernardo
May 12, 2010
Dear Janice,
We were so very sorry to hear the news about Danny. Wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our minds go back to high school years and that brings a smile to our faces.
Yogi and Carol Bernardo
Donna and Sean Bianchino,Mellner
May 11, 2010
Uncle Danny, as my son and I would call him, was a lovable caring man with a heart of gold. I remember when he came to my home dressed in his Santa suit to visit my son Sean when he was 5 years old. How excited he was to see Sean's expression. I'll never foget the time he put a paper crown on his head and he practiced a song with Sean for his school play at St. Nicks. It was called Join The Celebration...God Bless you Uncle Danny...May your soul rest in peace...
Soni Stein Baltimore
May 11, 2010
So very sorry to learn of Danny's passing. He will be missed dearly by all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Janice and to the entire Decker family. The Meyers High School '64 class reunions will never be the same without him. He will live on in our hearts forever.
Tom & Bobbi Bevan
May 11, 2010
Dear Janice,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Tom has been a friend of his since his childhood. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Decker family.
Love, Bobbi & Tom Bevan
Molly Mayeski
May 11, 2010
John,
I am very sorry for your loss.
May 11, 2010
So Sorry To Hear the Sad news. Danny was always upbeat and a wonderful guy! My condolances. Eileen Hannigan
May 11, 2010
I am very sorry to hear of Danny's passing and my heart-felt condolences to his family and friends. My comment below is admittedly narrow in scope and relevant to a few, but it's something I think about often.
Since graduating from GAR in 1964, I've been away from Wilkes-Barre but have attended some Meyers-GAR combo reunions. One enduring memory from earlier days, and a situation that preceded the combo reunions by a couple of decades, was the camaraderie of our respective football teams and our getting together whenever possible.
The arch rivalry on the field never diminished (we always played on T-day). As seniors and as college students on break, many of us always managed to get together when home (maybe at the Sans Souci or Harvey's Lake dances, or somewhere in the mountains of Wyoming Valley).
We liked to have a good time and we seemed to have always been successful in that. There are too many people to mention and, indeed, the years have blurred some of the names, but Danny always stood out as "one of the guys" we all really looked forward to seeing.
Danny and I were not in contact over the years. But, I'm fortunate to have known him and to understand what he means to all his family and friends. He'll be missed, but I can say that he'll still remain in my thoughts.
Ray Zipko - Pine Brook, NJ
May 11, 2010
Janice,Dana,Danny,Johnny,Donna,Phil and the entire Decker Family, When God made Danny he threw away the pattern. I am so sad on his passing. He was taken from us way too soon. Take those Happy Memories you all have of him and Cherish them. He was one of a kind. Gone, but never Forgotten! You are all in My Prayers!
Shea (Sheila Hannon) Kang
Scottsdale, Az
Joy Malinowski
May 11, 2010
Dear Dana, Danny, Johnny and Janice,
Please know I'm thinking about all of you. Dan was a wonderful guy.
Love,
Aunt Joy
May 11, 2010
Dear Phil and Judy:
How sorry I was to read of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Decker family at this difficult time.
Love from your old friend and classmate, Phyllis Smithey
May 11, 2010
Anyone that knew's Danny was blessed to be his friend. He was a great guy. I knew Danny from grade school and always well remember the good times we had together. My sympathy to his family. We'll miss you Danny! Bob Tluczek
Ned Delaney
May 11, 2010
It is my sincere hope that with the prayers of family and friends and God's good grace that the family will find some solace. He was and will continue to be a bright star in the universe.
Donna Hudson
May 11, 2010
Danny left a big impression on many people. His big beautiful smile, laugh, sense of humor...but mostly his big HEART. I've known him all my life and remember getting visits from SANTA!! Then figuring it out at age 7 and saying "you're Danny Decker not Santa Clause". He NEVER let me forget that I blew his cover in front of younger kids.
His buddies and us kids all walked to 7 Churches on Good Fridays and he always made it fun. I miss those days and I will miss Danny.
God Bless us all for knowing such a great man and God Bless his family. Stay strong, like Danny. Smile, because his Mom just made him a big bowl of Lemon Soup...he's Home again.
Kim Thomas Cardinale
May 10, 2010
Oh this is sad news. Danny was ALWAYS having fun,with his infectious laugh and desire to help others.
He will be missed.
Superior,Co
jerry korey
May 10, 2010
Dear Janice and the whole Decker Family:
Please accept my condolences on Danny boy's passing. He'll be in our prayers. Although he left us, his spirit is now with "Uncle Danny and Aunt Clara", as well as many many other friends and relatives... May he rest in peace and joy.
Gail & Bill Sanguiliano
May 10, 2010
So sorry for your loss....He was a wonderful guy who made you laugh till you cried. We will miss him. sympathy to Janice, his children and his family! With Sympathy, Gail(Monahan) Sanguiliano and husband, Bill Sanguiliano----Rest in peace Dear Danny Boy!
Jim Dougherty
May 10, 2010
Mrs Decker and Family, Our condolences go out to you and yours at this sad time. Please know that we are all praying for you and for Dan at this time and will continue to keep you in our prayers. He was a nice man and a good friend to our entire family. God bless you and keep you Jim Dougherty and family
Jack Stevens
May 10, 2010
My condolences to Danny's family. I graduated with Danny and you couldn't meet a nicer person. He was always upbeat. His memories will live on that is for sure. God bless.
Kenneth Pahler
May 10, 2010
To the Decker family,
Please know that my sincere sympathy and thoughts are with your family now.
Bobby Thomas
May 10, 2010
Dear Janice and family,
Although I haven't seen Dan in many years, we were good friends at Meyers.
I've kept up on him over the years, and
wasn't at all surprised with the way he attacked life and fought for his own. I hope you can find peace with the fact that he is finally able to rest.
Bobby Thomas
one of many great times
Shirley (George) Wilkinson
May 10, 2010
With a heavy heart...I say goodbye to my cousin Danny. The week we (Danny, Janice, Julie and I) spent in Palm Springs last year forged a stronger bond. I was a big fan of his irreverent sense of humor! Danny...you will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his (my) family.
ANDY MAMARY
May 10, 2010
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY, DANNY WAS ONE OF A KIND, HE WILL SURELY BE MISSED, HE HAD A PASSION FOR BEING A FREINDLY & AMUSING PERSON, I DON'T KNOW OF ANYONE WHO ENJOYED LIFE MORE THAN DAN, MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE
May 10, 2010
Janice and family,
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of Danny. You two seemed so happy. Just the once I met him at Michael's wedding, he seemed like a great fellow. May God help heal the hurt that is in your heart.
John and Peggy Moffitt
Jacquie Thomas
May 10, 2010
Dana, Danny, Johnny and the entire Decker Family,
Your Dad will always have a special place in my heart. May God rest his soul and may you cherish the wonderful memories you have with him. He was a GREAT MAN and you have alot to be proud of. Thinking of all of you during this time. God Bless.
Joseph Sellitto
May 10, 2010
To Phil and all of Danny's family, please accept my deepest sympathy.
The world has lost a great person whose sense of humor made him a pleasure to be with.
Manus Mulherin
May 10, 2010
Phil,
I was sorry to hear of Dan's passing. From my earliest recollection, he was truly a gentle man.
Manus
May 10, 2010
My memories of Dan are priceless and I can't imagine how much his family will miss him. My husband and I extend our deepest condolences. Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Kossa (Debby Decker)
RICHARD JONES G.A.R. '64
May 10, 2010
JANICE & THE DECKER FAMILY, SORRY TO HEAR OF DANIEL'S PASSING, I'M SURE HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE. MAY GOD BLESS HIM & MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
Mary Patrizi
May 10, 2010
We are sorry for your loss. Please know Danny and your entire family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
With love and sympathy, Mary Korey Patrizi, George Korey & Jerry Korey (Grandchildren of Mamie Decker Korey & Letuf Korey)
John English
May 10, 2010
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of my friend Danny. His good nature and outgoing personality will always be remembered. It seems like yesterday when we competed in sports in high school. If you want to think of a “good guy” who you knew in your lifetime you only need to remember Danny Decker. Even though I haven’t seen him in many years I will always consider him a friend.
Ray Iwanowski
May 10, 2010
I'm going to miss my friend Dan. I don't think there was ever a time when I was in Dan's company that he didn't make me laugh.His ability to go through unbelievable extremes to play practical jokes on unsuspecting victims is legendary.Being an avid Red Sox fan,I found Dan's unwavering loyalty to the "hated " Yankees pretty obnoxious. "Farewell Friend" RAY IWANOWSKI
Ray Iwanowski
May 10, 2010
I'm going to miss my friend Dan. I don't think there was ever a time when I was in Dan's company that he didn't make me laugh. He would go through unbelievable extremes to play practical jokes on unsuspecting victims. Being an avid Red Sox fan ,I found his avid loyalty to the "hated" Yankees pretty obnoxious. RAY IWANOWSKI
Dan & MaryAlice Erickson
May 10, 2010
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
marilyn sabulski-warrelmann
May 10, 2010
DEAR JANICE FAMILY AND HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS JOAANNE PATRICK,KATHY FLYNN COLE AND I MARILYN SABULSKI WANT U TO NO THAT DANNY WITH HIS BIG HART AND ALWAYS A SMILE AND KIND WORDS WILL BE MISSED BY ALL.DANNY GAVE MY BROTHER RICHIE WHO ALSO IS ON A LIST FOR A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT ENCOURGING WORDS WHICH ONLY DANNY COULD EXPRESS FROM HIS HART,AND HAD A WAY TO COMFORT PEOPLE A GIFT FROM GOD THAT ONLY DANNY HAD.OUR THOUGHT AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
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