Jon Decker passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 after residing in the Hudson Valley for nearly all of his 81 years. He was born in 1941 and was raised by Ruth Decker and Uriah “Polly” Decker.
Jon went through the Highland school system and graduated as Class President. Jon obtained his BS at Clarkson University in Industrial Distribution, and it was at Clarkson that he met his future wife, Priscilla.
After college, Jon served in the US Army for two years and taught computer science to Army personnel many times his senior. After the Army, he started working for his father full-time at D&D Auto Supply in Highland, NY. Jon and Priscilla married in 1966 in Paterson, NJ, and had two children, Jason and Holly.
During the 1970’s and 1980’s, Jon grew the D&D Auto Supply business to five locations. He also co-owned a train book store and an import business (Sice USA tire changing equipment). Additionally, he also made time to give back to the Highland community that he cherished by serving in local roles including Town of Lloyd Supervisor and Councilman, as well as on the Ulster County legislature.
Jon was also passionate about trains - train travel, model trains, train logistics - and he was even a train museum docent. He and Priscilla greatly enjoyed traveling by train across the US, Canada and Europe.
Jon is survived by his two children, Jason Decker of Millville, NJ and Holly Decker of Lexington, MA, his sister Nan Decker Kuntz of Schenectady, NY, his two beloved grandchildren, Parker and Sawyer Uzgin, and his dear son-in-law, Alex Uzgin, as well as many loving extended family members and dear friends.
A memorial gathering for family and friends will take place on Saturday, October 28, from 10 to 11 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church of Highland, 57 Vineyard Avenue, Highland, NY 12528. Service will follow memorial gathering, to honor Jon’s life at 11 a.m., with Reverend Arlene Dawber officiating.
Arrangements by the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 38 Main Street, Highland, NY 12528.