Obituary of Charles B. "Charlie" Decker

Charles B. “Charlie” Decker, 76, of Lawrence and formerly of Peabody, died early Saturday morning at his home surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness. He was the former husband of Doris (Murphy) Decker of Peabody and loving companion of Gloria Mitchell of Lawrence. Born in Somerville, he was the son of the late N. Bross and Lucille (Barker) Decker, Jr. He was raised and educated in Melrose, later lived in Peabody, and has spent the last 11 years living in Lawrence. Charlie worked as a salesman for Smyly Buick in Malden for over 35 years before retiring. After his retirement, Charlie continued working as a personal chauffer and limousine driver for 10 years. He was a car enthusiast and in his earlier days he enjoyed racing at the New England Speedway in the quarter mile race and was an avid NASCAR racing fan as well. Charlie was also a sports enthusiast who enjoyed watching all of Boston’s professional sports teams and was blessed to see the Boston Bruins win the Stanley Cup this past Wednesday. He enjoyed snowmobiling all around the northeast and into Canada. Charlie was well liked and enjoyed socializing with his family, friends, and neighbors and was well known for his great sense of humor. His greatest joy was the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren with whom he shared and enjoyed in all of their endeavors. He will be dearly missed by all. He is survived by his six loving children, Deborah and her husband Thomas Obremski of Peabody, Richard Decker of Topsfield, Diane Gendron and her long time companion Thomas Joyal of Mendon, Patricia and her husband Philip Richard of Peabody, Laurence Decker and his wife Sylvie of Sarasota, FL., and Ronald Decker of Peabody, his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Evelyn Decker of CT., and also by his ten loving grandchildren, Danielle Obremski and her fiancé David Bresnihan, Michael Obremski, Alyssa and Traci Gendron, Jacquelyn, Jenna, Jordan, and Janelle Richard, and Erik and Evan Decker, and by several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Tracy Decker. His Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 7:30 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 4:00 until 7:30 PM. Burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Merrimac Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimac St., Building 9, Lawrence, MA 01843.