Irwin George Decker

Irwin George Decker (aka Dick) passed away November 11, 2015 after a 6 week determined struggle to recuperate from a massive stroke. Dick was born April 16, 1925 in Kingston, New York to Ida Brown Decker and Chester Andrew Decker. He grew up in Hurley, New York on Theilpape Mountain where he lived and worked on their small mountain farm. At the onset of World War II he joined the Navy at 17, where he served first onboard a destroyer, then was transferred to the S15 submarine (commissioned in 1919) where he then served as a signalman in the South Pacific. After his discharge he was married and moved to Maryland in 1949 and began his career as a police officer with the Washington DC Metropolitan Police. During these years he first walked a beat at the 5th precinct, then transitioned to recruiting for the Capitol Police and was stationed at the US Capitol until his retirement in 1972. After this retirement, he returned to the New York Mountains where he and his wife built their retirement home and office for his new position as Chief of Police for the Township of Hurley. In March of 1990 after nearly 20 years supporting justice in Hurley, he retired again. As his senior years unfolded he and his wife moved south again to Maryland where he purchased a home in the country, raised a golden lab and thoroughly enjoyed boating and crabbing on the local rivers as well as dining at their favorite restaurants. These days afforded them many cherished years with sons and grandchildren. They also enjoyed travels up and down the east coast visiting small historic towns. His last year was spent at Spring Village Assisted Living, and final weeks after suffering a stroke were spent at Hospice House of St. Mary's in Callaway, MD. He is survived by his sons Edward Robert (Diane), and David Richard (Sandy), grandchildren Kelly Lehman (Shawn), Audrey Cramer (Rocky), Jessica Long (Jason), Victoria Fowler (Dan), Linda Greenshields (Eric), Rebecca Decker (Terry), and Douglas Decker (Erin), seven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was predeceased by his wife Florence Irene, and his brother Edward Decker. Graveside services will be held on Thursday November 19, 2015 at 12 noon at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Frederick, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of St. Mary's, PO Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.