Bruce Ernest Decker passed away peacefully on December 16, 2021. He was born in Southington, CT, the son of Walter and Bernice (Mullan) Decker.

He leaves his best friend and life partner of over 30 years, Meredith Smith of Spencer, two sons, Sean E. Decker of Spencer, and Joshua A. Decker and his fiancé, Dezarae, of Schenectady, NY and his 11 grandchildren.
From 1967-1970 Bruce served in the U. S. Coast Guard aboard the USCGC Eastwind (Wind Class Icebreaker). He was stationed at Quoddy Head Lifeboat Station in Lubec, Maine and later in Antarctica during Operation Deepfreeze. He received a National Defense Service Medal.

Bruce attended Nichols College, Quinsigamond Community College, U.S. School of Professional Wallpapering, and Worcester Center for Professional Crafts where he earned a certificate in woodworking and furniture making and was presented the Morreale Art Award for Design and Craft.

Bruce was a self-employed painter, paperhanger, and woodworker. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, a member of the American Legion and the Aldrich Astronomical Society. He enjoyed making furniture, fishing, fly tying, vegetable gardening and was a Patriots fan and an avid reader. His fondest memories were traveling with Meredith to Kennebunkport, ME, Grand Canyon in Arizona, Colorado and Las Vegas, NV.

At his request, no funeral services will be held. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family in the Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Arrangements are entrusted to Bartel Funeral Home in Dudley. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.