QUEENSBURY --- Stephen Louis Decker Sr., 95, of Queensbury, NY, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

Born on January 12, 1929, in Harriman, New York, he was a Great Depression gift to his parents, Clyde Hawley Decker and Mary Amelia (Schembeck) Decker. Steve was a ninth-generation descendant of Jan Boersen Decker of Denmark and Heyltje Jacobs of Sweden who came to the new world in 1660 and settled in an area that was to become Kingston, NY.

He was the devoted husband of Irmengard "Emmy" Stetter Decker who he married on May 18, 1985.

Steve was a member of Our Lady of the Annunciation Roman Catholic Church in Queensbury, NY, where he served as an usher for many years. He graduated from Wallkill Central High School in 1946, Albany Business College with a degree in Accounting and from Hudson Valley Community College with a degree in Data Processing.

He spent his career in the field of data processing employed by IBM, GE and New York State. He and his partner, David Wiltsey founded the WD Equipment Co. of Halfmoon, NY. In the 1970's, he spent 25 of his retirement summers as the golf cart mechanic at Glens Falls Country Club. Steve was a founding director and the original secretary of the Clifton Park/Halfmoon Public Library.

While in California from 1963 to 1968, Steve learned to fly and became a licensed pilot. He owned several small airplanes; flying was one of the great joys of his life. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and the National Civil Defense Organization during the Cold War Years. Shortly after President Reagan said to Chairman Kruschev, "Tear down this wall!", Steve and Emmy were in Berlin watching it come down.

During their retirement, Steve and Emmy spent their winters in Zephyrills, Florida and took many cruises with their great friends, Pat and Patti Fiore.

Having lived through the Great Depression years with his struggling parents, Steve firmly believed in the post-war credo, "He who dies with the most toys wins." Steve is the author of the Amazon e-book "Pilot to POW," the true story of Dan King, a WWII combat pilot who flew a P-51D names "The Buckeye Bouncer" against Germany.

Steve is survived by his wonderful wife of 39 years, Emmy; his son, Steve Jr.; two daughters, Marion and Marie; stepson, Carl N. Winslow Jr.; stepdaughter, Patricia Thornquist; and numerable grandchildren and great grandchildren.

At Steve's request, there will be no calling hours.

A graveside ceremony will take place at Pine View Cemetery in Queensbury on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 11A.M. with Deacon Bill Bazinet officiating.

In loving memory of Steve contributions may be made to the Young Eagles Program, EAA Chapter 932 Treasurer, 5112 Greenwood Road, Wonder Lake, IL 60097, DONATE or Adirondack Vet's House, 26 Pine Street, Glens Falls, New York 12801, DONATE .

Condolences and floral arrangements may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.