Martin George Decker

Martin George “Marty” Decker, 82, of Narragansett, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at South County Hospital, Wakefield, Rhode Island. Marty was born in Afton, New York, on April 11, 1934 to Bernett and Mildred Decker. He, along with his two brothers and sister grew up on the family dairy farm where he worked until he graduated from high school. He subsequently joined the Army, obtained his undergraduate degree from Hartwick College, master’s degree from Springfield College and his doctorate from Boston University in education. He and Martha met at Hartwick College in the college band, married and lived throughout the northeast until they settled in Newington, Connecticut where they raised their 3 children and lived for 32 years. Marty worked as a psychologist for most of his career consulting in various capacities. He taught psychology at Trinity College, was a career counselor, mediator and clinical psychologist until he retired at the age of 71. He was a caring, thoughtful practitioner and helped many people throughout his lifetime. He was a word enthusiast and history buff and rarely let a day go by without finishing the daily crossword puzzle. He also enjoyed all forms of music and played the clarinet and stand-up bass. His love of sweets was renowned. Marty and Martha have lived for the past 11 years in Narragansett, Rhode Island where Marty enjoyed volunteering at the South County Museum and South County Hospital. He found immense pleasure exploring creative writing with his friends in the Neighborhood Guild Creative Writing Group. Summertime visits with his grandchildren included evenings of board games, miniature golf and lots of ice cream. He was seldom defeated at Scrabble. Marty is survived by his wife of 58 years, Martha D. Decker; three children, Lisa Decker and her husband Jeffrey Maxtutis of Arlington, Massachusetts, Stephen Decker and his wife Laura Decker of Walnut Creek, California and Joanne Decker and her husband Carl Johnson of Bellingham, Washington; his four grandchildren, Emma Maxtutis, Lucy and Grace Decker and Bryce Johnson; and his two brothers and sister, Charles Decker, Raymond Decker and Sylvia Quackenbush. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A gathering for family and friends will be held Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 12:00 Noon at the South Ferry Historical Church, 170 South Ferry Rd in Narragansett (please bring your fond memories and stories of Marty to share), followed by an open house at the Decker’s home, 78 Edgewater Rd, Narragansett. The burial will be private. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Martin Decker at www.alz.org.