Obituaries

Raymond (Ray) F. Decker, age 81, of Glendale, passed away Friday at home.
A Moosic native, Ray was born on July 7, 1942, to the late Raymond, Sr. and Alma (Burke) Decker. After attending the former Moosic High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard where he proudly served until his honorable discharge.
Ray had a lifetime passion for motorized vehicles.  If it had an engine, he could fix it; if it had wheels (or tracks) he could drive it. His entire career was based around trucks, transportation and logistics.  He started by owning and operating Decker Trucking Co., and later working for Imperial Foods where he would retire as the company’s transportation and logistics coordinator. Over the years he drove more than One Million Miles and made friends and compiled stories from all across the US.
An outdoors enthusiast, Ray was a founding member and past president of the “Hole in the Wall” hunting club where he made lasting friendships and, especially, spent time with his brothers. He was always community minded. As a young man he was a Boy Scout, and as an adult he served as founder of the former Glendale Fire Co. as well as a past president of the Moosic Lions Club.
Later in his life he enjoyed taking excursions with his beloved sister, Marie. From Spruce Lake trips to visits to Gettysburg, he absolutely loved nature and history.
To have lived in the greater Moosic area was to have known Ray, often as a pair with his twin brother and best friend, George. Ray was generous to a fault, his kindness and selflessness helped the lives of many. He will certainly never be forgotten by all who knew him!
He is survived by his sister, Marie A. Ostrowski of Moosic; son, Andrew Garcia and husband Michael of Glendale; longtime companion, Carol Morrison of Glendale; step children, John, Phillip and Cindy Catalano; many step grandchildren, including Jamie Catalano whom Ray helped raise. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Frank and Shaun Decker, Megan Gnall and Stan Ostrowski and wife Nicole, whom Ray shared a special lifetime bond, and their children, Ava Maria and Roman Stan Ostrowski.
Brothers, twin and best friend George Decker and Frank “Chick” Decker, spouse Nancy Catalano and step children, Cathy and Kim Catalano, also preceded Ray in death.
His family would like to express its gratitude to the following: Ray’s dear friend, Teddy, for his loyalty and devoted friendship throughout the years, Dr. Goodrich for her merciful care and John Catalano for his compassionate assistance.
Blessing services by Rev. Paul McDonnell are scheduled for Thursday, January 4th, at 6:00 PM in the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, to be followed by military honors by the AMVET Honor Guard.
Family and friends may pay their respects at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 PM until services.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s name NEPA Pet Fund and Rescue c/o P.O. Box 3953, Scranton, PA 18505.