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Peter Decker Obituary

Surrounded by his loving family, Peter George Decker Jr. of Norfolk and of Bal Harbour, Fla. , beloved husband, father and friend to so many in the Tidewater area, passed away on February 3, 2012 after a valiant struggle against cancer, at the age of 76.
A native and cheerleader of Norfolk and a faithful Roman Catholic, he was the son of the late Peter George Decker Sr. and Rose M. Decker, both of Norfolk.
A graduate of Maury High School, Decker served two years in the U.S. Army and graduated from the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary (Old Dominion University). In 1960, he graduated from the Marshall Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary and entered private practice as an attorney in Norfolk.
He founded the highly successful law firm of Decker, Cardon, Thomas, Weintraub and Neskis, which will continue after his death. In 1995, he entrusted his Law Firm to his partners and stepped back from the daily practice of law when he became a Substitute General District Court Judge, serving all of the cities of Southeast Virginia.
Decker served on countless boards and charitable foundations. He was instrumental in the redevelopment of downtown Norfolk. Decker helped found the Business Improvement District, was chairman of the Nauticus board and a member of the Downtown Norfolk Council board.
Former chairman of the Norfolk Airport Authority, he was a member of the Norfolk State University Board of Visitors, as well as the TowneBank Norfolk Board, Heritage Bank and Trust Advisory Board, the Greater Norfolk Corporation and the Eastern Virginia Medical School Health Services Board.
For more than 40 years, he was a member of the board of governors and directors of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. For 50 years he has led local fundraising efforts for St. Jude, raising tens of millions of dollars to benefit research into childhood cancer. He often performed onstage with actor and singer Danny Thomas to raise money for St. Jude and he recorded many albums with the Pat Curtis Orchestra, sold to benefit the hospital. Each spring, Decker sponsored a field trip to Nauticus to reward Norfolk elementary students who excelled in school. Each summer he sang with the Tidewater Winds symphony orchestra at the Harrison Opera House to raise funds for aspiring student musicians.
In the early 1980s, he formed the Sons & Daughters of Lebanon in honor of his father's heritage. He served on the Board of Trustees of the International College of Beirut, Lebanon.
For 11 ½ years, he served on the Virginia State Board of Corrections and served seven years as chairman. He later chaired the State Board of Education. He was appointed to these Boards by 4 different Governors.
Decker received numerous area honors, including the Presidential Award presented by the Norfolk Jaycees in 1988. In 1994, ODU presented him with its highest award, the University Medal, and he was also honored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Ocean View and for many years served as the emcee for their annual parade. He also served as the first emcee for both Va. Beach's Neptune Festival and Norfolk's Harborfest. In 1984, along with several close friends from the Norfolk Police Department, Decker founded the Law and Disorderly Club, which benefits local children's charities.
In 1996, he was the first to receive the L.D. Britt Community Service Award and in 1997, he received the Martin Luther King Leadership Award from the NAACP. The Urban League of Hampton Roads honored him with the Vivian C. Mason Award and the Norfolk Sertoma Club presented him with the Service to Mankind Award, both in 1998.
Decker was named Norfolk's First Citizen by the Cosmopolitan Club in 1999. Two years later, he received the Volunteer Hampton Roads Lenora Mathews Lifetime Achievement Award. He and his wife Bess created the "Mermaids on Parade" campaign which raised money for the local arts community.
In 2005, the Hampton Roads Crime Lines presented him with a lifetime achievement award. Last year, the Downtown Norfolk Corporation honored him with a lifetime achievement award. He was also inducted into the Hampton Roads Business Hall of Fame.
Decker is survived by his wife of 49 years, Bess Kolantis Decker, of Norfolk, who cared for him throughout his battle against cancer; and three sons, Peter G. Decker III and wife Dana Jo; Paul A. Decker and wife Dana and Phillip A. Decker and wife Shannon and seven grandchildren whom he adored: Alexia, Paulina, Zoe, Peter IV, Paul Jr, Fentress and Max.
He is survived by brothers George P. Decker and Joseph M. Decker and sister Catherine L. John, all of Norfolk; and an aunt, Anne Decker of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. He was predeceased by his brother, Phillip Decker and sisters Mary Anne Zoby and Doris Cory. He is also survived by sisters in law Helen Savalas, Ann Kolantis and Chris Joannou and her husband, Johnny, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pete's life will be celebrated with family and friends on Monday, February 6, 2012 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel, from 2:30 until 4:30 pm. Father Joseph Metzger of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church will conduct a Mass for the immediate family. The family would like to sincerely thank the DePaul Bon Secours Medical Center and its entire staff, as well as Michelle Jones.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105.
Pete Decker was a Norfolk boy who rose up from humble beginnings and lived an amazing life. He never forgot where he came from, and he never met a stranger. He always endeavored to help those in need, and we often heard him say: "Family isn't everything - it's the ONLY thing!" We will all miss our favorite "Uncle" Pete, but he will live in our hearts forever.
H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk chapel is handling arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com

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

Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Feb. 4 to Feb. 5, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Decker

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Anna Riddlehoover

January 29, 2021

So sad to see this come up in my feed this morning. Such a sweet and generous man.

RANDY ADAMS

January 29, 2020

FUNNY...WHIT AND A HEART OF GOLD..MY FIRST MEMORIES OF MR. DECKER WAS WHEN I WORKED AT CASA FRELLOS .. HIS FAMILY WOULD COME IN WHEN THE KIDS WERE YOUNG AND I WOULD WAIT ON THEM.. IT WAS A PLEASURE THEN SOON AFTER I WORKED AND FAUX FINISHED THERE HOME.... I LOVE THIS MAN AND HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE BESS....AND SONS.... ONCE HER CAME TO A PARTY I HAD AT MY SISTERS AND MADE MY GRANDMOTHER FEEL LIKE HIS BEST FRIEND .... I LOVE PETE AND I RECALL PAINTING IN THERE KITCHEN AND LOOKING UP SEEING DECEMBER 1ST THAT IS THERE WEDDING DAY.... I RECALL IT EVERY YEAR ...
LOVE TO YOU ALL
RANDY ADAMS

February 20, 2019

This is Patsy Willis Self!!!I Imagine that you have long forgotten about Me! I have thought about you for so long! You and Chris were so special! I would love to hear from you.

March 7, 2014

Pete and I were voted most talented in our high school year book. We grew up in Norfolk three blocks from each other. I have heard throughout the years from friends still in Norfolk of Pete's success and painted cows.
Sorry to hear of his passing. Gloria Cobb Rife, Blanco, TX

Douglas Smith

September 8, 2012

Mr. Decker was an extrodinary man, and am proud to say I was born in Norfolk, the City he and you, Bess, did so much for. My Prayers are with you and your Family.

randy adams

April 29, 2012

Bess, I am so sorry to hear of this news, my mother has keep me posted, I will try and contact you through the law office

take care
love randy adams

lenis guess

February 24, 2012

my man i miss him already...lenis

bill and avra eagan

February 23, 2012

To the Decker family. May the time come soon when grief will pass and only the good memories will remain. A good soul will never be forgotten.

February 13, 2012

We were so sorry to hear the shocking news of our dear friend Pete.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We trust St. Jude will forward acknowledgement of our donation in Pete's memory.

Sincerely,
Bill and Nelle Bunch

MAURICE & DIANNE STEPHENSON

February 11, 2012

We are so sorry for your loss of a great husband,father and person I could Call a friend

February 10, 2012

Very proud and honored to have called Pete, my friend
Hampton Blvd, Bundy

M. Marade

February 9, 2012

We send our Love to the Decker family. Thanks for all he did for the community.

Wayne Credle

February 8, 2012

Greetings and blessings to Pete's family and extended family;

Pete will always be remembered by our hearts as both his family and friends.

In Pete's world vision, there were no strangers, only friends that haven't met - yet!

Therefore, It seemed his life's mission was to meet as many of his friends as he could; most of them then became family, and he their, and our 'Uncle'.

We all have 'bad days', but 'Uncle Pete' kept his 'lemonade stand' open continuously...

We celebrate his Home Going and trust he is received into the waiting arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Wayne E. Credle, Sr. & Family

February 8, 2012

My Dear Uncle Pete, needless to say you will be missed dearly.I can still hear you singing "after the lovin"
You have always made us feel as family, and our Family sends our love and prayers to the whole Decker Family,
Love You All!! Heico Thorn and family

Linda Proctor-Peebles

February 8, 2012

I was saddened to hear this information. He will be missed and I pray for his family and friends...I worked with him on several events with the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce..such a generous man.

Shayla Spencer

February 7, 2012

I will always remember when I meant uncle Pete he was so nice and sweet and funny as hell. My prayers are with the family but his spirit and love will always live in our hearts

Brenda White

February 7, 2012

I am very sad to hear that Pete has passed. It has been along time since I have seen him, but he was always a great friend to my brother and Dad. Your family will remain in my prayers.
(Daughter of Bob Ford)

February 7, 2012

"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but is woven into the lives of others"
Pericles
Eflharisto Uncle Pete !!

John Boogades

Tania Rybaczuk Demko

February 7, 2012

Uncle Pete: I went to catholic school with your neices. When a freind needed a lawyer I would give them your name because of the wonderful work you have done. You were a kind and good person. I will continue to drink "Uncle Petes" coffee in order to help the St. Judes hospital. May God bless you on your journey to a new life.

David S Waranch

February 7, 2012

Pete Decker = An Angel of the Lord and a Giant of a Mench. God Bless.

February 7, 2012

Pete is an Icon for the Hampton Roads community and beyond. He was a shinning example of how to treat and compliment mankind,regardless of there status in life. Uncle Pete grew up with the Burwell family in Lambert's Point during his formative years. We will truly miss him.

May he rest in Gods Peace.

Pete and my Dad at my Dad's Retirement Party which Pete gave.

Richard Moore

February 6, 2012

Pete has always been a man to be respected and admired. My father was extremely fond of him and would do anything for him. I knew Pete through my father; and that tangential relationship has lasted for over 50 years. Heaven is a better place to have Pete there.

Richard R. Moore, III (Cocoa Beach, FL)

Ray Dorman

February 6, 2012

MY FRIEND "PETE" I will not say good-bye, I'll just say save me a place next to you where we can talk about the "good times" we shared on earth, My sympathy to Bess. Peter, Paul, Phillip and their families. You were a role model to many but no one can fill your shoes!!! UNTIL THEN - Precious Memories (how they linger) Ray & Jan Dorman & family.

February 6, 2012

Peter you are the greatest best friend I ever had. You will always be in my heart!
MLC

John & Deborah Howard

February 6, 2012

We were so sad to here of Pete's passing. What a wonderful man! Our thoughts and prayers are with the Decker family at this very sad time.

Gail Butler

February 6, 2012

Its wonderful to hear so many nice words and stories about such an amazing person who touched so many hearts. My prayers and thoughts are with the Decker family at this time of sorrow.

Patricia M.

February 6, 2012

I was so heartbroken to hear of the passing of such a great man with such a big heart. My thoughts and prayers are with the Decker family. May God continue to keep you all during this difficult time. Pete did so much for so many. He touched so many lives, including mine. Thank you Uncle Pete. Rest in Peace my dear friend.

Lisa Bell

February 6, 2012

My thoughts and Prayers are with the Family.
May the memory of this awesome man remain visible in his Family members and all the lives in which he touched.

Lisa A. Bell

Dana and Shiloh Gauthier

February 6, 2012

I light this candle along with the dove candle I have lit each night since Friday for dear Uncle Pete... An incredible
human being with the soul
of an angel- you will be missed dearly by oh so many- we love you and I am heartbroken I could not be with the family today- my love to each of you

Anna Riddlehoover

February 6, 2012

My sincere condolences to the Decker family as well as his extended work family. I thank you for sharing your husband, father, and grandfather with us all.
I was a very scared 32 year old woman laying in a strange bed of an unfamiliar hospital in Albany, New York not knowing if I would walk again or even have my legs when Pete Decker Jr. or "Uncle Pete" as he came to be known by my family and I came into my life.
My father knew Pete from his mother who worked at Norfolk and Sourthern railroad and had meet Pete through several professional organizations. Pete made sure every need was meet, came to my home when I was bed ridden, called weekly to see how I was and what I needed, sent me videos and tapes of music to occupy the long days I spent recovering, and when I was recovered he invited me to a lovely event on the rooftop of his downtown Norfolk office building that Bess had decorated. Yes I know you are thinking he was getting paid in the end, but that wasn't how Pete Decker Jr. lived his life. He didn't have his staff do these things, he did them himself. He did these things because that was the type of person he was.
We have all suffered a great loss here on earth, but the heavens have gained a great solider.
Sing load and strong Pete so we can all hear you.

Tracy Raborg Zocher

February 6, 2012

Dear Bess, Pete, Paul, Phillip and Family,

My sincere condolences go out to you. I am so sorry for your loss. Bess, I will never forget the wonderful things that you and Pete did for my husband and I back in '91. I'll never forget Pete's energy at some of the St. Jude fundraisers. He was a very special man and without him, the world will not be quite the same. He will live forever in our hearts and in all of the good works that he has done for so many. What a legacy! May God bless each of you with comfort and peace during this difficult time.

christine brinson

February 6, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Catherine Norman

February 6, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the Decker family as they grieve for the loss of a husband, father, grandfather.
Uncle Pete you will surely be missed by everyone in Norfolk and Va. beach. As you enter the pearly gates I am sure all the angles are blowing their trumpets to summon others who want to see this new man who has done so many remarkable things. Jesus reaches through the gate and takes you in the palm of his hand. Welcome, my loyal and faithful servant .You have served me well . Job well done.

Chris Bailey

February 6, 2012

Pete, you were the best and raised three great sons to carry on your name. You are and always will be Mr Norfolk. Thanks for all you have done for me and my family

Tutti Mosier

February 5, 2012

Dear Decker Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Uncle Pete was truly a special man. My husband's Uncle Calvin Mosier, used to talk about his and Pete's Golden Gloves days. He will missed by all. Love, Albert and Tutti Mosier

James & Beth Fulgham

February 5, 2012

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

James & Diane Broadway

James & Diane Broadway

February 5, 2012

Dearest Bess, Peter, Paul, & Phillip - May Heavenly Father blanket you with His comfort and knowledge that Uncle Pete will live within your hearts forever, thanks to your fond and loving memories. He IS a great man, and the world is a brighter and better place because of his profound influence and loving kindness and generosity. He never met a stranger and his presence leaves an indelible, forever mark on the Hampton Roads area. God bless you... Please call if we can assist in any way at all. James & Diane Broadway

Patrick Hurd

February 5, 2012

I happened upon Mr. Decker on Feb. 1st as I sat waiting for my wife to finish her radiation treatment for breast cancer. He spent the time encouraging me and wishing his best for my wife. Not once did he mention his own health battles. Thank-you Mr. Decker for showing us how to get the most out of each day! Our sympathies to the Decker family. Pat & Betsi Hurd

LENIS GUESS

February 5, 2012

I LENIS GUESS LOVED AND ADMIRED PET ER DECKER...WE WERE
FRIENDS ALWAYS...I WILL MISS MY GODFATHER.

February 5, 2012

Thank you, Pete Decker, for being so helpful with legal questions the few times I've called your office. Kate Stiglet

Norene Phillips

February 5, 2012

To the entire Decker family - my condolences for your loss - we've all lost an icon in this community! May you find peace in knowing that 'Uncle Pete' touched the lives of so many. I had the pleasure of working with him many years ago with the 1st St Jude's golf tournament & everyone knows he always lit up a room - the world is a sadder place today with him gone. God Bless you all.

Lamont Williams

February 5, 2012

Mr. Peter G. Decker,Jr. was the first attorney I had ever retained, I was 19, and now I am 56 years of age. He never forget my name after all these years. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Decker family. What a great man who will be truely missed. God Bless!! Lamont C. Williams

Myriam Rodriguez

February 5, 2012

RIP, My condolences to the family. What a great person he was. You will be truly missed by all of us at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District Of Virigina. Rest in Peace.
Myriam Esther Rodriguez de Sevilla.

Annie Williams

February 5, 2012

Norfolk has suffered a great loss in losing Uncle Pete. Everyone knew him and as everyone that did know him knew he never met a stranger. He loved to sing, MC and entertain people. He was kind and generous to a fault. Even on the streets of Norfolk you could tell it was Mr. Decker walking along Granby! You would hear should of "Hi Uncle Pete!" and he would graciously respond, sometimes stop and ask people how their day was and inquire about their family! He is definitely destined for greater things in the hands of God! An angel on earth, and now and angel in heaven! God bless the ENTIRE Decker family at their time of sadness!

Joe Canada

February 5, 2012

Dear Bess & Family: Pete was a great person and made such a difference in lives of so many people and so many organizations.He was the greatest person I have ever known. So many people will miss him. He was so proud of his family . My prayers are with you. Joe Canada.

Anne Giles

February 5, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Pete Decker is what made Norfolk better, he will be missed by all of us. God Bless to the Decker Family!

Don and Dianne Busby

February 5, 2012

My prayers are with the family. Pete was a wonderful person. He will be missed. May God bless the family.

February 5, 2012

What a way to LIVE a life. God bless you Pete. form the Max Allen and James Clarke Jr. Families, of Riverveiw.

Jackie Laux

February 5, 2012

I worked at the Omni Hotel from 1980-1990 and "Uncle Pete" came in quite often and sang while Pat Curtis band played. He was also the unofficial lawyer for any of the Omni employees who found themselves needing one.But more than that, he provided educational assistance to many of the employees who needed it. He was so generous and Norolk is a better place because of him.My thoughts & prayers are with the many family & friends who will miss him greatly

Tammy Henry -Olenski

February 5, 2012

I was so fortunate to see "Uncle Pete" every day when he came into the Downtown Athletic Club to work out. I worked at the front desk and every day on the way out the door he said to me," Who loves YOU? Uncle Pete" Every Xmas he would hand me a $100.00 bill and said "TX Uncle Pete Loves You". As a college student,in the 80s, a $100.00 bill was like winning the lottery. I will never forget his kind words and generosity. He taught me that giving back to others brings joy to the heart.
I wish comfort to his family during this difficult time.

Emily Ruloph

February 5, 2012

Uncle Pete was truly an amazing man, and he will surely be missed, not just in the legal community, but in our personal lives as well. My condolences to all of the family!

Mona and Mo Ghobrial

February 5, 2012

Dear Bess and Family,

Words cannot express the deep void we have in our hearts. Uncle Pete was an iconic figure who was larger than life that had an enormous heart that never stopped giving. We remember the wonderful time we shared together in Chicago at the National St. Jude's convention and of course our Halloween party when Uncle Pete cleverly had the "Mo masks" made. Our deepest condolences are with all of you.

February 5, 2012

Daer Bess and family ,
We are deeply saddened to hear of our beloved Peter's passing.Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you..We have lost a beautiful human being and we are blessed to have known him and had him as a friend..May his memory be forever eternal.With love and deep affection, Pat and David. Miami Florida

February 5, 2012

there will never be another Pete,wonderful man,My husband Don(deceased),and i met him in the 60,s.He always had time to talk,make you feel like family and i especially remember the interest he took in my Son ,a student at ODU in the 90,s.he will be missed. you cannot help but smile when you hear his name,wonderful sense of humor.Prayers to the family.

June Pope VA beach VA

Maxine Reilly

February 5, 2012

I met Pete many years ago as a young deputy clerk in Norfolk Traffic Court back in the early 70's. He always was generous, funny, loyal, and loved. He made so many people smile.
I personally will treasure my coffee mug that reads I'm one of Pete's People, and the cassette tape of Pete's Favorite songs for the kids of St.Jude.
I pray the family will find strength in knowing he was loved by so many.

Karen Williams

February 5, 2012

I met Mr.Decker at a very young age while my mother, Maxine Bradshaw, worked in traffic court. He was a very sweet man and quite the jokester. He always had a smile and a kind word. He often visited our home for different occasions and always remembered moms birthday. He called her " Max ". If she were alive today she would say we lost a great man and a part of Norfolk went with him. R.I.P Pete Decker, you will be missed.

Hal Sacks

February 4, 2012

I met Pete 40 years ago when, as a broomselling Lion, I was trudging up his long driveway in Lakewood just as he was driving out. " "Are you selling brooms for the Lions?" he asked. "Yes," I answered." He handed me a fifty dollar bill and said, "just drop 50 bucks worth off at the house." I rang the bell and Mrs. Decker answered and showed me the hall closet, already stuffed with brooms from last year. "Just leave them here," she said, laughing.

Rev jewell Corprew

February 4, 2012

To the family my heart goes out to you in this time of great loss, but know that he will always live on in you hearts and fond memories. Hold on to the love and legacy left behind , and allow his love for you to get you through the hard times. May God continue to bless.

Bassam and Nada Kawwass

February 4, 2012

We miss you, Peter. You know, there are no words to convey our feelings. We love you.

God Bless you.

Richard Shoemaker

February 4, 2012

Bess ,Boys and the Family : Pete was a very good friend,and a major help to me as I worked downtown in the mid-1960's, in the motgage business . What a man, we spoke over the years , every few years...he was always the same "good- guy" ...interestingly,my son ,who lives in Newport News called,as he remembered "Mr. Decker ...as a really good -guy " ...the supreme title given to a man in my era . God bless,and love to you all Dick S. , Rocky Mount, Va

ANITA MERKEL

February 4, 2012

Brss,
So sorry to hear. AnitaAnita

Ann Smith

February 4, 2012

Decker family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss of Mr. Decker. I met Mr. Decker at Norfolk Collegiate School when his son, Phil, attended there. The Deckers would always come sit in the stands to cheer on Phillip on the basketball team. Mr. Decker would invent cheers and the entire gymnasium full of students, parents, and fans would join in on his cheers. His cheers were always hilarious, and never mean-spirited. I still remember one of his cheers after the ref's bad call..."The referee (clap clap) can't see (clap clap)."

Angie Gorsuch

February 4, 2012

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Decker family. He was a wonderful, funny and generous man. I had the priveledge of having lunch with him this past summer after a long day in court and I remember him being so happy that myself and a co-worker joined him at D'Egg. He was telling us of his upcoming trip to Miami with his family. He loved to show off his pastel "Miami Vice" suits and would say "Don't I look good!?" We always agreed. Rest in Peace Uncle Pete you will be in my heart forever.

Mac and Margaret McQuinn

February 4, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Decker family in their time of sorrow

Paul Thomas

February 4, 2012

I have such fond memories of Pete and the entire Decker family. We grew up together on 42nd St. My wife and I send our deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family.

February 4, 2012

To the Decker family I'm so sorry for your loss. Growing up on forty second street I know that family was everything to him. Your in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you.
Love,
Judy Ferrell
Daughter of Aunt Helen Zoby

Carole Sue Thompson

February 4, 2012

My best memory of Pete is his singing "The Wild Goose Song" with Sonny Forbes at our class reunions. You will be missed. My sympathy goes to Bess & her family. The Maury class of 1954 has lost a good friend.

February 4, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of Pete's passing. Pete gave my grandmother her retirement party, as he and Judge Hitchings worked very closely with her while she was a clerk in the traffic courts. Bess, you may remember her. Her name was Edith Forbes. Anytime Pete saw me, he always remembered my name, and would say, "Hey Cindy, my darling." I wish you all the best and pray that God will ease the discomfort in your hearts. Pete was a great man and will never be forgotten for all the wonderful deeds that he has accomplished throughout all his life.

Joe Hoggard

February 4, 2012

Peter Decker was the best friend that Norfolk ever had, he loved our town and all of those who lived in it.But there were no borders, he would work to bring all of the citizens who lived for miles around to function as one. There was not a selfish bone in his body.We will all miss our Uncle Peter and I know that my thaughts and prayers are with Bess, the boys and their families, I love them all!

February 4, 2012

We were priviledged to have Peter as part of our lives. We worked with him for 40 years raising money for St. Jude Children's Research hospital. He left us many gifts and precious memories. He has kissed us all. Peter will be truly missed in many circles. Flora Burns and members of Epsilon Sigma Alpha.

joyce herring

February 4, 2012

Always to be remembered

Mary Ann Hoffler Dye

February 4, 2012

With sincere sympathy my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

February 4, 2012

If you had the luck to know Pete you were better for it, there was only one Pete Decker, God retired the mold because it was perfect, Rest in Peace, my prayers to the entire family, he never forgot his roots, "The Lambert Point Kids". Marion Frizzell, Apopka, Fl.

Paulette Watson

February 4, 2012

Rest in Peace Mr. Decker. Peace be Still to the Decker family. I'm the neice of Mrs. Ethel Daniels who was a long time employee of the Decker's. My auntie love you all so much. I lived with her at the time she worked for you all, and she always talked about Mr. Decker singing to her. She loved the boys as she lovingly referred to them. Mrs. Decker thank you for the wonderful desserts you would send her home with daily. I last saw Mr. Decker at my aunties funeral and he told me again what a wonderful friend Ethel was to him. So now that he is in Heaven with her I'm sure that he is singing to her again. Stay strong and keep the faith you all will see him again. To GOD be the Glory. Lovingly Ethel's neice.

Patrice Dupuis

February 4, 2012

Although I only met him a couple of times, I do know all the good he has done for Norfolk. I moved here 17 years ago and started my business and saw what the Norfolk landscape looked like then. I know he made it what it is today! Thank you Uncle Pete for paving the way for small businesses like mine! Rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers to all your Family. Patrice Dupuis Bloom the art of flowers

February 4, 2012

Feel like I've known Pete forever-he always said that the Bashara's and the Deckers were cousins-we were,even if it was really kissing cousins thru the Zoby family. He was always open and loving-even when he was young. He was a good man.
Carmen Lee Masur-daughter of Rose Lee Bashara

Sid Grant

February 4, 2012

Rest in peace...ole friend and thanks for all those great memories.
Maury High class of 1955

Marnie Pascarosa

February 4, 2012

Bess & the boys, your entire family is in my prayers. Pete will be sorely missed by all of Tidewater. What an incredible man.

Joe Agnew

February 4, 2012

We did not know that well but have been around you enough to know you one of really best of "the really good guys"
The late Dottie would agree!

February 4, 2012

So sorry for your loss, Uncle Pete was a wonderful person, and loved dearly. I've know of him since I was a small child. Your family is in my prayers.
Love, Karen Jerome Wyrick

Denise Williams

February 4, 2012

Rest in Peace Mr Decker. U were the mayor of Norfolk.

Lamont Simmons

February 4, 2012

"He was a Hampton Roads icon! My deepest sympathy goes out to the Deckers,family, friends, colleagues and neighbors on the passing of our great friend, 'Uncle Pete'. He is sorely missed."

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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

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Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Ways to honor Peter Decker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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