Belmont, NY – Robert F. Decker (affectionately known as Bob), 66, of Belmont, NY, passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer. His loving wife Gena was by his side. He was born on September 24, 1958, in Hornell, NY to parents Robert H. Decker and Lois (Gary) Decker.
Bob’s early childhood was spent in Almond, NY with his sister Connie where they made life-long friends and accidentally set the hill on fire. They soon moved to Wellsville, NY, where he would graduate from Wellsville Central School in 1976. He was a member of the high school basketball team, earning the nickname “Killer” from his teammates. After graduation, he attended SUNY Morrisville for Environmental Science, completing his schooling in 1979. He went on to work at the Wellsville Wastewater Treatment plant from 1981-2002.
In 1999, the stars aligned when Bob did his first musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, and met his soul mate, Gena (Simon) Decker. They were married on November 25, 2000, where they joined their families together; Gena gaining two amazing stepchildren, Katie and Jordan Decker, and Bob adopting Azure (McCumiskey) as his own. Soon after, they moved to their forever home on the hill in Belmont. Bob was so proud of the home that he built for his family. Bob went back to school in 2002 at Alfred University where he earned his master’s degree in School Psychology. In 2009, Bob joined the Allegany Limestone Central School family working as their psychologist in middle and high school. While there, he made a positive impact on countless students, teachers, and staff who admired him for his calm and grounding presence. Even after reluctantly retiring in 2021 he remained close with his ALCS family, meeting for breakfast, shared love of music, and occasional golf outings. In his last outing with friends, he and his golf partner finally won.
Bob was best known for his musical talent. He and Gena hosted Open Mic Night at two places that became very near and dear to their hearts; Black Eyed Susan in Angelica and The Palmer Opera House in Cuba. The duo played at farmers markets, and many other venues throughout Allegany County. They were also members of the band Sound Foundation. In his lifetime, Bob learned to play the mandolin, banjo, ukulele, bass, and the drums. His love, however, was the acoustic guitar. He loved James Taylor, and was proud to have learned Frozen Man, a song that he considered to be difficult to learn, but you would never know from watching him play.
Bob was a man with many interests. He found solace in running, even completing two marathons. He took up yoga with Gena and enjoyed hunting, hiking in the woods, and desired to be a better fisherman. Bob was an amazing cook and soup was his specialty. “Always start with an onion” he would say. He never met a dog that he didn't like. Every dog he owned held a special place in his heart, especially his most recent pup, Winston Pug. Every July found Bob and Gena dancing at The Great Blue Heron Music Festival. Bob enjoyed the simple life on the hill, and found comfort splitting wood, working on the tractor, gardening, and sitting around a campfire with his guitar and family.
Bob made friends easily with everyone he met. People were drawn to his gentle, calming presence and grounding energy. He maintained 50 plus year friendships, gathering for stories, laughs, drinks, and music. Those friendships meant so much to Bob. His impact on those close to him was made evident with the countless phone calls, cards, impromptu musical gatherings, and visits in his last few weeks.
The most important thing to Bob was his family. He had a special relationship with all of his children, each having unique memories, inside jokes, and a deep love for their dad. Bob had three grandchildren Gramm (10), Quinn (6), and Faye (2) who loved their Papa dearly. He loved to host his family for birthdays, holidays, or “just for fun” dinners where he ensured everyone was fed and cared for. Bob’s greatest love in life was his wife of 24 years, Gena. The two shared a love of just being together, but often filled their time with hiking, gardening, music, and grandbabies.
Bob is survived by: his wife Gena (Simon) Decker, his three children, Katie Decker, Jordan Decker, and Azure (Ashton) McCumiskey; his sister Connie (Cort) Dunham, nieces and nephews: Dan, Dara, and Deena, Uncle Roger (Shirley) Gary, his sister-in-law Erin Simon, brother-in-law, Chris Mortimer, and niece Kaisa Simon; in-laws Naysim and Jae Simon, and three grandchildren: Gramm, Quinn, and Faye McCumiskey; as well as many, many close friends that he considered to be like family. He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Lois Decker.
Friends and family are invited to call on Friday December 13, 2024, from 4 to 7 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, NY, 34 West State Street. A funeral service will be held on Saturday December 14, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home. Following the service, ALL are welcome to celebrate Bob’s life, share memories, food and drink, and enjoy time together, at The Palmer Opera House, 12 West Main Street, in Cuba, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Palmer Opera House, the SPCA, or your charity or small business of choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .
