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Christian Decker Obituary

Christian P. Decker Jr., an exceptional and beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Saturday, February 19th, at his home surrounded by his adoring family. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Arlene (Michalowski) Decker, four daughters and eight grandchildren. Chris was a dedicated educator, retiring after a distinguished career as an elementary school principal for the town of Newington. He was a passionate fan of the Boston Red Sox and UConn women's basketball. The family will hold a private memorial service. Those wishing to honor Chris may make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his name.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Feb. 27, 2022.

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theresa schiavone

February 21, 2024

praying for all the family. it doesn't matter how long our loved ones have been gone, they will ALWAYS be MISSED.
god bless you arline and girls

Richard berson

February 15, 2024

I went to platt high school with Chris. Always thought of him as a friend. Chris was a great guy in school and I am sure he continued through his life. I taught for many. Years also. My
Sympathies to Arlene´s and his children. I wish we had connected. R.I.P. Chris.

Mary Ellen (Rich) Taylor

January 15, 2023

I´m so sorry for your loss. Christian was my sixth grade teacher at Thomas Hooker School in Meriden. I have never forgotten him. He was a wonderful teacher and an inspiration to me!

Carol And Gerry Joseloff

April 24, 2022

Our sons went to Paterson when Chris was principal there. We were always impressed by his friendliness and the way he interacted with the students. We felt so lucky to have him as the administrator of their school. Our sincere condolences, The Joseloff Family

Jim Imbert

April 7, 2022

My condolences, he was a great person who will be missed by many. Rest In Peace.

Schwartzmanns and daughters

March 1, 2022

Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences.
Moe and Caroline Schwartzmann and daughters - Kris, Kelly and Kerry

Jill Price

February 28, 2022

Both my daughters went to Elm Hill Elementary School where Mr. Decker was the principal. He was a wonderful person and principal.
He would call me at home to alert me that our dog was at the school grounds. He was a wonderful person and my condolences to his family.

Susan Scarrozzo

February 28, 2022

I had the good fortune to have Chris as my first principal in my teaching career at EG and then the privilege of having his granddaughter in my class! I will always remember his support, kindness, sense of humor, and positive attitude. Most of all, his "family first" mentality for himself and his staff. He kept us all grounded. My sincere condolences to his wife, daughters and grandchildren that meant the world to him. Wishing you all comfort at this difficult time.

Mary & Frank Simboski

February 27, 2022

Our love, thoughts & prayers are with you all. You were Blessed to have him & he was Blessed to have all of you.

Mechelle, Sydney and Samantha

February 27, 2022

Wishing you and your family the strength and comfort through this difficult time. Your dad was such an amazing person and he will truly be missed. Our condolences and love, Mechelle, Syd and Sam

Jenna and Vic Dagata

February 27, 2022

We are so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and strength for you all.

Dave Gowell

February 27, 2022

My deepest sympathy and condolences to Arlene, Chris' daughters and grandchildren. It was my privilege to work with Chris for many years, not only in our chosen profession, but even in our summer jobs before becoming school administrators in Newington. His character, caring and warmth as a person was evident to me every day. He made a difference in my life and his memory will be cherished.

Rich and Lynda

February 27, 2022

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. A true gentleman.

John Perotti

February 27, 2022

I first met Chris in the late Seventies when he arrived at Wallace as our new assistant principal. Never have I worked with a kinder, warmer, and more teacher-centered administrator in my 35 years of teaching in Newington, one who was able to balance supervising teachers during the week with joining us on the basketball court Friday afternoons for friendly pickup games. In the late Eighties, as teacher union president, I sat at administrative roundtables and admired his courage as a building principal when he politely disagreed with central administrators- regarding burdensome extra duties- in defense of his teachers who already had too much on their collective plate. In addition, Chris and Arlene raised four wonderful daughters who were and are a credit to their parents to this day. Newington has been fortunate to have so many fine families, the Deckers among them, and Chris, I am sure, will be missed by all. I'll always remember that broad smile and twinkle in his eye when he greeted me each time we met so long ago.
God speed, Chris- see you on the Other Side.
JP

Alana and Tom Madden

February 27, 2022

Sending our deepest condolences, Shannah, Mitch and family. Thoughts, prayers and Hugs. Xo

Phyllis and Bob Fishberg

February 27, 2022

We were so sorry to read of Chris's passing and hope that, in time, you will be able to remember all the good times and fond memories that you made together.

Mark and Kris Hoffman

February 27, 2022

Arlene and family, Kris and I extend deep sympathy for your loss. I still remember you and Chris baby-sitting my brother Michael and Me.

Betty Lasker

February 27, 2022

Chris was not only an exceptional educator; he was also an exceptional human being. His warmth and caring for others was apparent each and every day. His accomplishments were many. My thoughts and prayers are with Arlene, his daughters and grandchildren. May he rest in peace.

Terry and Sonny Schiavone

February 27, 2022

we are praying for the Lord to give you all ,the strength to get through this very tough time. we love you all and God bless

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

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