Frederick George Decker

Frederick George Decker

May 24, 1944 – October 22, 2025

Frederick G. Decker, 81, passed away peacefully at home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. His home of more than fifty years was a place filled with warmth, laughter, comfort, and the fruits of his hard work and dedication.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Fred was the son of Richard F. Decker and Elsie N. Decker (Boysen).

He proudly served his country, earning dual retirements after more than 20 combined years with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, where he achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer, then serving an additional 20 years through the U.S. Postal Service as a Mechanical Electrician.

In between, he also worked several years for Q.E.D. Systems on government contracts and with the Van Program at Public Works Center as an Electrician.

Fred was a natural problem-solver with a brilliant, curious mind. He loved building and repairing things, taking them apart just to see how they worked, tending his impressive gardens, maintaining a beautiful yard, and cooking delicious meals to share with family and friends.

In his later years, Fred found joy in building intricate balsa wood model airplanes, especially replicas from World War I and II. He loved playing Mahjong and Solitaire, and enjoying his vast movie collection. His favorites included British murder mysteries, westerns, comedies, action films, classics, horror, and documentaries.

He was a devoted father to Christie Baker (and her husband Trevor), Diana Bales (and her former husband Patrick), Kimberly Stewart (and her husband John), and the late Mark Decker; a loving "dog dad" to his beloved rescue pup Lily, who preceeded him in death; a proud grandfather to Colin, Connor, and Madelynn Bales, and Crystal and Jeremy Stewart; and a cherished great-grandfather to Kayleigh Stewart, and Windsor and Ozwin Gallagher; and an admired uncle to Sue Bralynski (and her husband John) and Jan Sholtis (and her husband Gary). He was predeceased by his beloved sisters, Joan Decker and Ruth Cobb.

Fred also remained close with his former wife and mother of his children, Judith Martin, and her husband, S. Martin.

Fred's legacy lives on through the countless memories, laughter, and love that he shared with his family, longtime neighbors, and friends. He may be gone from our side, but he is forever in our hearts. May God bless his soul.

A private family service will be held at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia, at a later date.