Robert M. Decker, 91
NEW MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Robert M. Decker, 91, formerly of Canaan Valley Road, Southfield, died Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009, at Geer Village retirement and nursing center in Canaan, Conn., after a short illness. He was the longtime choir director and deacon of United Church of New Marlborough.
Born in Arnold, Pa., on Jan. 8, 1918, son of D. Paul and Georgia Virginia Bonar Decker, who had been the featured singer of Pittsburgh radio station KDKA in its pioneer days, he graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and was awarded its Slocum Prize in music. He resumed his studies with the American Theatre Wing after the war. He resided in the New York City area before moving the Canaan Valley Road in 1969. He moved to Geer Village in 2006.
An Army veteran of World War II, he served from 1942 to 1946, assisting in the development and supervision of the rehabilitation program at a major military hospital.
Mr. Decker was choir director and organist from 1976 to 1986 of United Church of New Marlborough, composing much of the service music used by the choir. Harold Flammer Inc. published his festival anthem. During that period he, Barbara Barth and Richard Sellew created and launched the Elihu Burritt Day program that has become a major summer community event.
He also was leader of the local singing group Men from Southfield and, in 2001, honored for his 25th year as director of the community chorus at the annual Memorial Day ceremony.
He first appeared in principal roles with the Pittsburgh Opera Society, now the Pittsburgh Opera Company, after college. While in New York, he concertized widely as a soloist and was a founding member of the Skyliners, a male quartet, which performed on the "Arthur Godfrey Show" and many other television variety shows that were popular in the 1950s and '60s. During the late 1950s, he was active in business, ultimately becoming controller of the American Institute of Management. In 1962, the Metropolitan Opera engaged him as assistant director of development.
He leaves a nephew, Dr. William Decker of Pennsylvania, a grandniece and two grandnephews.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A memorial service celebrating the life of Mr. Decker will be conducted Monday, Oct. 12, at 11 at United Church of New Marlborough Church in Southfield by the Rev. Brian Care.
There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the New Marlborough Volunteer Emergency Service in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.