Peter B. Decker

NEW HARTFORD - Mr. Peter B. Decker, aged 69, passed away, peacefully at home, on Sunday, September 28, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing.

Born in Penn Yan, NY, on July 29, 1956, Peter was the son of the late Harry and Mary Decker. He was a proud graduate of Arlington High School, Class of 1974. After high school, Peter continued his education at Dutchess Community College and later attended Utica College, where he earned his B.A. He went on to receive a Master's Degree in special education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany.

After meeting at a work fundraiser, Peter fell in love with the former Anna Marie Bendino and the two were married on October 12, 1991. Peter was devoted to Anna Marie and took great joy in ensuring that she and their family were always cared for.

Peter began his teaching career at BOCES and later joined the Utica City School District as an elementary school educator. He taught and mentored children at General Herkimer, Kernan and Jones Elementary Schools, where he ultimately retired. Peter's natural patience and deep understanding made him a perfect fit for teaching special education. For over 35 years, he prioritized the well-being of his students and made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless children and their families. For a time, in addition to teaching, he also served as PTA leader for all the schools in the district - a community role he found deeply fulfilling.

Peter was gentle, kind, sensitive and caring, with a dry sense of humor that his friends came to deeply appreciate. He possessed an admirable sense of service, balanced with compassion, which made him, quite simply, a truly good man. He was charitable to many civic organizations and he also had a deep affection for animals, especially dogs, man's best friend.

In his spare time, Peter was an exceptional gardener. His impeccable landscaping transformed the yard into a family oasis, adorned with special trees, flowers and shrubs - a personal vacation spot for the entire family. Inside the home, Peter was a true Mr. Fix-It. If something was broken, he would always find a solution.

His talents also extended to music: he was an accomplished saxophonist, playing first chair in both the Jazz Ensemble and the Marching Band. He even taught himself to play the organ by ear. Remarkably, Peter was also a master of automobile knowledge - able to identify the make, model and year of any car with just a quick glance or by hearing its engine.

In his younger days, Peter served as a camp counselor at the Fresh Air Camp, where he helped children with disabilities experience the joy of the outdoors. It was during one of these summers that he met his lifelong best friend, Wally Erck.

Peter also cherished hosting family holidays, bringing together the people he loved most under one roof to share meaningful time and create lasting memories.

Peter is survived by his loving wife, Anna Marie; daughters, Samatha Decker (who will always be a Daddy's girl) and her husband, Tom Carnright, Allison and Steve Bolander and Nicole and Giovanni Santiago, Sr.; adored grandchildren, Sienna, and Maya Carnright, Landon, and Liliana Bolander, and Isabella, Giovanni, Jr., Anthony, and Xavier Santiago; siblings, Brett Decker and Cindy and Mary Gail Decker; and uncles and aunts, John Decker, Vito Rometo, Frances Spina, Betty Bendino and Eleanore Leone. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins; and in-laws, Maria and Paul Devins and Donna and Jim DeLaura.

He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Nicholas F. and Gaetana C. "Donna" (Spina) Bendino; and aunts and uncles, Ruth Decker, Diane Rometo, Marie E. Bendino, Joseph and Hazel Spina, Julio Spina, Clara and Angelo Papa and Robert Leone.

Peter's family extends a very special thank you to Dr. Thomas John and Dr. Alicia DeTraglia for their care and compassion.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave., Utica. Peter's Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 4 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions, in Peter's honor, may be made to the Fresh Air Fund online at https://secure.freshair.org/a/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.