Leslie Jay "Lester" Decker, Sr.

Leslie Jay “Lester” Decker, Sr., passed away February 3, 2024 as a result of an automobile accident. 

He touched so many lives during his 84 years.  He worked for DeNaples Auto Parts his entire career.  He was a true Dunmorean. He loved to fish, hunt and gamble.  He would’ve loved to see his “nephew” Mark turn 21 and go to the casino with him.  He spent almost 50 years living above the Rinaldi’s who became his family.  Family is not always blood.  They are the people who are in your life and make you whole.  Lester made our family whole and we are heartbroken he is gone. There was not a holiday or special event that would pass that Lester wasn’t a part of. His best friend, Doc Rinaldi, was more like a brother.  They did everything together and loved to fish up the Paupack.  Lester took care of Doc until he passed in 2009 and promised to always be there for his wife, JoAnn, and family. 

During retirement, Lester was a Dunmore crossing guard.  He also enjoyed spending time with his companion, April Niemiec, and dog, Star.  They shopped and went to many events together.  Lester didn’t come from much and didn’t have much but whatever he had, he would give to anyone who needed it.  He loved to go on walks with his beloved dog, Max. He loved to visit Junior’s.  You could always find him playing a machine.  There are not many people who did not know Lester in Dunmore.

He was preceded in death by his parents Claude Franklin and Anna Eliza Price Decker; brothers George Decker, Claude Decker, Jr., Alva A. Decker, and Theron Dale Decker; a sister, Loretta Barber; and best friend (brother) Domenick Rinaldi.

He is leaving behind a family that will miss him including children Agnes Claudette Decker, Joseph Decker, Joseph Decker and wife Patricia, and Leslie J. Decker Jr.; 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers John Latamore Decker and Frederick Kenneth Decker;  sisters Bessie Buckingham and Patricia Ann Crane; extended family, JoAnn Rinaldi, Dominick Rinaldi and wife Patricia, Renee Rinaldi, Kimberly DelVecchio and husband Mark;  nieces and nephews including Emily Baldauff, Julianna Crossley, Caitlyn Pasko, Amanda Pasko, Bella Pasko, Mark DelVecchio, Domenick DelVecchio, and Mason Czarkowski;  and companion, April Niemiec.

A funeral service will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore. 

Family and friends may pay their respects from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service. 

Interment, Dunmore Cemetery.

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