Barry Lee Decker, 68, of Queen Creek, left this world for the heavenly afterlife Oct. 1, 2021. For us, it was too soon. His loyalty to friends and family, kindness toward others and, most of all, his love for his children will forever be remembered by those who knew him.
Barry was born Jan. 16, 1953 in Easton, PA to James and Josephine Decker. He grew up in Phillipsburg, NJ. He played football and basketball in high school, graduating from Phillipsburg Catholic High School in 1971.
Barry began working for the U.S. Postal Service in 1973, a career that would span 36 years and take him from the east coast to the west, then eventually to Arizona.
It is here where the loves of Barry’s life came to be. It is quite possible that no father ever loved his children the way Barry loved his daughter Tiffany and son Craig. Barry would often talk to his children three to five times per day and no conversation ever ended without an “I love you.” He never missed an opportunity to proclaim his children, who he called his angels, the best children ever.
Barry loved his lone sibling, sister Kathleen, with all his heart. He spoke to her frequently if not every night and enjoyed talking about family and reminiscing about their childhood together. He was thrilled to have been able to visit his family recently in Virginia and loved the time he spent with them.
Barry cherished his friends, especially his friends from his postal service days as well as friends from back East. He made a point to spend time or talk with them as often as possible. Whether it was an old friend or a new friend made at a check out counter, people remember him for his booming laugh and big personality.
Barry loved his dogs, and was equally devastated at the loss of companionship with each passing.
Barry was a huge sports fan and loved sharing stories about going to Mets games with his father, especially attending game 4 of the 1969 World Series with the Miracle Mets. Barry’s tales added color and clarity for those who only knew that era of sports history through grainy video and mythic nostalgia.
Barry is preceded in death by his parents James and Josephine Decker as well as his beloved four legged pals Buffy, Taylor, Oreo and Prancer. He is survived by sister Kathleen Kennedy, daughter Tiffany Decker, son Craig Decker, nieces Jacqueline and Priscilla Navarro, nephews Brendan and Patrick Navarro, grandnieces Charlotte and Bella and his doggy companion, the estimable Dee-Dee.
The celebration of life for Barry will be at 3 p.m. Oct. 24, 2021 at Mariposa Gardens Mortuary, 6747 E. Broadway Rd., Mesa, AZ, 85206.
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