Richard Michael Decker, Sr. died on October 12, 2025 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania after a brief and sudden illness.
Richard (Dick) was born on November 24, 1936, in McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania to the late Clair Kenneth Decker and Kathleen Kendall Decker.
He was a graduate of Forbes Road High School, Shippensburg University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education and Iowa State College where he earned his Master of Arts in Education.
In February of 1961, Dick married his lifelong partner Delores J. Decker. They started their lives together in Cedar Falls, Iowa, later moving to Mercersburg, where they would plant roots and dedicate their careers to teaching in Mercersburg schools.
For 38 years, Dick was a fixture on the Mercersburg Academy campus. Known for his love of the outdoors, his wry sense of humor, and his genuine concern for his students. Dick served as teacher of mathematics, registrar, golf coach (amassing a remarkable 300 victories during his coaching career), advisor to the Gun Club, and assistant football coach under legendary Fred Kuhn. Retired as Faculty Member Emeritus in 1999 Dick continued to tutor until 2021.
He was a founding member and past president of the Great Cove Golf Course. For those who played golf with Dick he was known as “the king.” Dick and his son won many championships throughout the years.
Dick served in the United States Navy from 1953 until 1963 when he was honorably discharged.
Dick was an avid hunter and sportsman, a passion he shared with his son. Together, they created a lifetime of memories in the woods — from Mike’s first deer to Dick’s last. Those shared moments speak to the deep bond between them, built over decades of early mornings, quiet walks, and the kind of connection that only comes from time spent side by side in nature. Dick was past president and shareholder of Plum Hollow Hunt Club.
He was a good man and a dedicated father — a quiet, steadfast champion, even through the hardest of times. The comforting scent of Old Spice and the warmth of his hands on your shoulder when you needed it most.
In 1991, Dick and Delores built their dream home, moving from the Mercersburg Academy campus to McFarland Road. That same year, they welcomed the first of three grandchildren. His grandchildren will fondly remember Dick as a devoted mentor. From long nights spent helping with math homework to warm spring afternoons teaching them how to find mushrooms in the woods, he loved nothing more than sharing his knowledge. One memory that stands out is hitting golf balls together off the hill by their house, watching in awe as he effortlessly sent them soaring across the street.
He gave without asking, supported without needing thanks, and loved without condition. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched. Dick’s family and friends will deeply miss him.
Dick is predeceased by his wife, Delores J Decker, and his sisters and their husbands.
He is survived by his children, Gretchen (Vance) Jones of Richmond, Virginia, and Michael (Selina) Decker of St. Thomas; and his grandchildren, Grey Pierce (Rae) of Chicago, Katherine Pierce (William) of Chicago, and Gregory Pierce (Elizabeth) of Churchville, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, 5051 Letterkenny Rd W, Chambersburg, PA 17201
A memorial reception will be held at Mercersburg Academy in Traylor Hall on Saturday, November 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard, please visit the floral store.
