Obituary of Theodore Frank Decker

T. Frank Decker, a 61-year resident of Rydal, passed away on Sunday, March 18, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of the late Helen Chandler Decker for 58 years until her death in 2010. Born in Philadelphia, Frank was raised in Germantown, graduating (Cum Laude) from The William Penn Charter School in 1945 where he rowed on the championship crew team coached by John Kelly, was awarded with the Alumni Society's Senior Award at commencement, and later served as the President of the Alumni Society. In 1945, Frank enlisted in the military, serving with the 769th Army Air Force Base Unit. As part of his military service, Frank spent six months in Japan as a control-tower operator. He received the WWII Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal and was honorably discharged in 1947. He earned his degree in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University in 1951. Frank began his professional career as a chemical engineer in 1951 with the Atlantic Refining/Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO). In 1955, Frank became employed by the Rohm & Haas Company in Philadelphia, retiring in 1985. After retirement, Frank was the business manager for Abington Friends School for two years. Frank was a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Jenkintown. He was also a dedicated volunteer, devoting his time for over 30-years to the Meals-on-Wheels program of Montgomery County. He enjoyed reading to children at the Jenkintown Day Nursery, sang in the Chorus at Rydal Park and volunteered on Rydal Park's Green Committee. At the time of his death Frank was a 25-year member of the Abington Presbyterian Church. Prior to that, he had been a member of Grace Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon and singing in the choir. Frank loved spending time with his family and his many friends. He also enjoyed gardening; vacationing at the Jersey shore; traveling and sightseeing; golfing and fishing. He was an avid reader, as well as being a great storyteller and humorist. He is survived by his loving children: Vickie Decker Rosskam, Wendy Decker Ambler, and Ted and (Susan) Decker. He is also survived by his dear grandchildren: Joe and Jessica Rosskam; Jamie Ambler; Ted, Tim, and Katy Decker, and his sister, Joan D. Melcher and her five sons. Memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, March 31, 2012, at the Abington Presbyterian Church, Old York and Susquehanna Roads, Abington, PA, where friends will be received after the service. Burial at Whitemarsh Memorial Park will be private. Memorial contributions may be sent to William Penn Charter School, 3000 W. School House Lane, Phila., PA, 19144 or to The Rotary Club of Jenkintown, P.O. Box 191, Jenkintown, Pa 19046.