Rev. Lawrence J. Decker, Jr.

Rev. Lawrence J. Decker, Jr., 75 years, of Perryville, MD, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Lewes, DE. Born July 24, 1949, in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Lawrence Sr., and Alice Ochs Decker.

Before Ordination, Rev. Decker was employed at Investors, Inc., Manhattan, NY, and served honorably with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. After Vietnam, Fr. Decker moved to Albany, NY, and worked at Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, in the emergency room as a clerk.

Rev. Decker attended seminary at Holy Apostles, St. Bernard's Rochester and Immaculate Conception Darlington. He was ordained on May 19, 1984, by Bishop Howard Hubbard at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Rev. Decker was a retired Diocesan Priest of Albany, NY, a resident priest of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Perryville, MD, former Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, Amsterdam, NY (34 years), Associate pastor St. Mary’s, Oneonta, NY, and a past parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Church, Albany, NY.

Rev. Decker is survived by his step-mother, Mrs. Joan Decker; several nieces and nephews; several great nieces and nephews; and long-time friend, Father Jay McKee.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, Church of the Good Shepherd, or Good Shepherd Conference of St. Vincent De Paul Society in care of Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., P.O. Box 766, Perryville, MD 21903-0766.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025, 11 AM, at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Perryville, MD. Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 2 PM until 6 PM, at Good Shepherd Church. Interment will be in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington, DE.