Robert Charles Bob DeKay

1922 - 2015

DeKAY Robert Charles Bob DeKay, affectionately known as Deker, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2015, after a long illness. Deker was born on July 18, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York. His father sold wooden bats as a sideline to the New York Yankees, and Deker became a lifelong Yankees fan from a very young age. His father passed away when he was only 8 years old and his mother moved him and his brother to Syracuse, New York, to live with her parents. Deker began working as a caddy at age 10, and he played baseball and ice hockey as a young man. He attended school in Syracuse, graduated from Central High School, and enlisted in the Army-Air Force in 1941. Deker served his country proudly during World War II as a Staff Sergeant/Tail Gunner in the 72nd Bomb Squadron. His plane was shot down on his 45th (supposed to be his last) mission over the South China Sea and he and his buddies were forced to parachute out into shark-infested waters. They were rescued by a U. S. ship and he returned home, a member of America's Greatest Generation who served faithfully. Deker attended Syracuse University on the GI Bill and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. On August 31, 1946, he married the love of his life, Doris Bell, with whom he just celebrated 69 years of marriage. He worked for Crouse-Hinds Company in Syracuse and in 1964 had the opportunity to open a distributorship in Jacksonville, Florida. He was the President of Signal Engineering Company and Trafcon, Inc. and he worked very hard to build a successful business, which he sold in 1988. Deker was an avid golfer and sports fan. He was a Gator season ticket holder for 25 years. He was also an avid fantasy football player. Deker loved the Gators and the Jaguars, but his heart belonged to the Syracuse Orange. He was an excellent bridge player and he became a Life Master in 2007 and a Bronze Life Master in 2011. He was a member of San Jose Country Club for 30 years and the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club for 50 years. He is survived by his loving wife, Doris; his daughter Debra Billard; his son Dan DeKay (Missy); and many loving nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Friday, October 2 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Quinn-Shalz, with Rev. William Kelly presiding, and on Friday, October 9 at 1:30 p.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida. The family would like to thank the staff at Avante Villa, Jacksonville Beach, for their compassionate care of Deker during his illness. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice. Please visit our online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com. Services under the direction and care of Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home