Obituary of Timothy Decker

Timothy M. Decker "Deck" Caton: Age 49, Monday May 30, 2011, unexpectedly at St. Joseph's Hospital, passed peacefully into eternal rest to be with his big brother John Thomas Decker; and his beloved parents, U.S. Army Ret. James H. and Helen B. Decker. Tim was born as an "Army Brat" in Fort Meade, Maryland, and has been a true patriot throughout his short life. Tim was an outstanding educator and coach, a man who always put his students first. Tim taught math for seventeen years at Southside High School before becoming Assistant Principal there. He fulfilled a lifetime goal by serving as the Athletic Director for the Corning Painted Post School District since August of 2008. Sports, coaching, teaching, his students, his family and friends, and his dog were all focal in Tim's life. Tim was an avid outdoorsman and loved to travel. He liked to live life to the fullest. Tim is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Howard Henry of Elmira; brothers and sisters-in-law, David H. and Karen Decker of Elmira, James A. and Kathy Decker of Burlington, Kentucky, sister-in-law Linda Decker of Rochester; several nieces and nephews; Tim's best friend, Tahoe; many, many special friends, colleagues, coaches, and students. He would want to be remembered as a man that has touched many peoples' lives. The family will receive relatives and friends at the McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Friday, June 3rd, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and at Southside High School, 777 South Main Street, Elmira, on Friday, June 3rd, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating Tim's life, will take place at 11:00 a.m. at St. Casimir's Church on Saturday, June 4th. Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery. The family sincerely appreciates how supportive the community has been in Tim's untimely death. Those wishing to make donations may do so to the SPCA, Route 352, Elmira, NY 14903, in Tim's name. Please note…calling hours at McInerny Funeral Home, Friday, June 3rd from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday evening calling hours will be at Southside High School Auditorium from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.