Dr. Thomas N. Decker

Dr. Thomas Nathan Decker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and physician passed away of cardiac complications at his home in the arms of his loving wife and soulmate, Vicki, on January 2nd, 2026, at age 77.
Dr. Decker was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to the late Emma Decker, a first generation American of Lebanese descent, and Nathan Thomas Decker, a Lebanese immigrant. He developed a strong work ethic early in his life. Dr. Decker worked at his father's convenience store and a host of other service jobs to pay his way through college and medical school, including overnight shifts as a taxicab driver and waiting tables at a resort in the Poconos.
He attended King's College in Wilkes-Barre, where he excelled academically and athletically, competing on the college wrestling and tennis teams. Dr. Decker attended the University of Pittsburgh's School of Medicine and completed his residency at UPMC Presbyterian, specializing in internal medicine.
He moved to New Hampshire and began practicing internal medicine, caring for patients for almost 50 years. In 1978 Dr. Decker joined Strafford Medical Associates to begin his practice of internal medicine at Wentworth Douglass Hospital in Dover, NH. He visited patients during clinical rounds in the early morning, during lunch, and after office hours; including on-call critical care service for patients in the Intensive Care Unit. In addition, he agreed to serve as the Medical Director at St. Anne's Nursing Home in Dover, where he would often see patients at the end of his busy days. No matter the hour or occasion, night, weekend, or holiday, he never hesitated to answer a call from a patient or a nurse.
Dr. Decker was known as a 'Doctor's Doctor', as many of his fellow physicians were also his patients. He was widely respected for his enduring patient relationships, many of which lasted decades. His compassionate approach to medicine paired empathy with confidence, and exceptional clinical skill. He understood the importance of personal relationships and continuity of care.
He was disappointed when his own health issues forced him to retire. Many who knew him well doubted he ever really wanted to retire. He continued to practice for as long as he believed he could meet the exceptionally high standards of care that he had always provided for his patients. The practice of medicine truly was the fuel for his life's engine.
His family will remember him for his kindness, intellect, humor, generosity, and selflessness. One moment, in particular, captures that selflessness. When he had a heart attack in 2007, he was shoveling snow at home. He developed chest pain and knew exactly what it meant. He finished shoveling, drove to Wentworth Douglass Hospital, checked on all his inpatients at the hospital, and only then brought himself to the Emergency Department.
Dr. Decker remained an active tennis player well into his later years. An avid gardener, his yearly backyard garden harvest yielded herbs and vegetables his family enjoyed. An eloquent public speaker, he was the true toastmaster among his friends and family. Dr. Decker's love of music and literature remained important throughout his life. His ability to share a meaningful song from the Great American Songbook or a quote from Albert Camus always captured something deeper in the human experience that he wanted to convey.
Despite significant personal health setbacks through the years, he maintained a demanding schedule and professional rhythm. He never complained or felt sorry for himself. He remained optimistic, noting that his "cup overfloweth." In the last few months of his life, he repeatedly told friends that he was grateful for his family; his children and grandchildren; and for the opportunity to help so many people over his career. He often quoted Shakespeare's line from Hamlet: "If it be now, 'tis not to come; if it be not to come, it will be now; if it be not now, yet it will come. The readiness is all." But despite his best efforts to prepare them, his family is heartbroken at his passing, and will never ever be ready to let him go.
He is survived by his wife, Vicki Anderson Decker; his son, Nathan Thomas Decker, and daughter-in-law, Lindsay Decker; his daughter, Christen Decker Kadkhodai, and son-in-law, Aaron James Kadkhodai; his brother, William Decker, known in religious life as Father Jonathan Decker; his cousin, Dolores Elias; and his seven grandchildren, Beaux, Lola, Tyson, Calvin, Fairuz, Dara, and Thomas, who brought him great joy in his later years.
TRIBUTE: Members of the community are welcome to write their tributes at this link.
SERVICES: Celebrations of Dr. Decker's life will be held in two different locations.
A wake will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at J. Verne Wood Funeral Home – Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad Street in Portsmouth, N.H.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 10 a.m. at St. George's Maronite Church, 15 Chapel Street in Dover, N.H.
Memorial donations may be made to Wentworth Douglass Hospital (MGB) or St. George's Maronite Church in Dover, NH.
For online tributes, visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel.