Carmen DiMaggio Decker

Carmen DiMaggio Decker, age 87, passed peacefully December 29, 2024, at the Renaissance Home of Brier Creek. She was born in Elizabeth, NJ to Vallata, Italy immigrant parent (Gaetano) Thomas and (Generosa) Josephine DiMaggio.

Carmen lived in NJ until 1974 when she moved to NC as an IBM family transplant. When her kids were raised, she obtained an associate’s degree from Hardbarger Junior College in accounting and then her North Carolina Real Estate license. She dreamed of being a teacher after working for the Elizabeth Board of Education but instead channeled that passion into being a stay-at-home mom and reinforcing her children’s education.

Once her children were grown, she channeled her love of art and went to work at The NC Art Society assisting in fundraising. Her next position was to support the Director of Development at Ravenscroft. Carmen worked for a brief time at the NC Veterinary School of Medicine before moving to a position at IBM. She finished her work career at SAS Institute in Global and Strategic Technology. She had a love for SAS and after retirement continued to visit the campus to meet friends for lunch in the café and enjoy a nature walk.

Carmen had a love of bowling, tennis, gardening, cooking, sewing, and crafting but her greatest love was for her family. She looked forward to every holiday so she could decorate, dress up, cook, and spend time with her loved ones. She had a silly sense of humor and a giddy, infectious laugh that made everyone smile. Carmen enjoyed architecture, reading, antiquing, and traveling, which took her to numerous places around the globe.

Carmen was proud of her Italian heritage and tried to pass along her connection to her roots in Italy. Nobody made better gravy, meatballs, or braciola. Theatre, music, dance, and the love of the arts filled her tank.

Carmen found immense enjoyment in planning galas and charitable auctions. She volunteered for the Special Olympics, was a social committee member at Saint Michaels, volunteered for the Women’s Center of Raleigh, was an active member of the Cary Band Boosters, a member of the Women’s Guild Society, volunteered for Hospice, supported the Salvation Army, signed up for the yearly Alzheimer’s Walk, contributed to St. Jude’s Hospital, immersed herself in the international festival, worked part time at Brighton Gardens, and helped care for her grandchildren which includes triplets.

Carmen was the only daughter and preceded in death by her three brothers, Alfonso DiMaggio, Frank DiMaggio, and Joseph DiMaggio. She is survived by her three children, Frederick Neal Decker, Jr. (wife Melany), Eric Thomas Decker (wife Sherri), and Cynthia Decker White (husband Mark), seven grandchildren: Amanda Decker, Aaron Decker, Austin White, Jenna Decker, Ellis White, Maddox White, and Kimball White.

A private Catholic graveside service will be held to honor Carmen at the Historic Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made to The American Heart Association, The American Stroke Association, St. Jude’s Hospital, or Hospice of NC.