Earl Richard Deckman, 81, of New Hartford, New York, passed away on Monday, November 21, at his home with his family by his side.

He was born in February of 1935, in York, Pennsylvania.  He served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1957.

Earl is survived by his wife, Vivian, of 58 years and their three children; Beth Scarafile, wife of Nick Scarafile of Marcy, New York, Earl Richard Jr., husband of Jackie Provost Deckman of Marietta, Georgia  and Sue Pardee of Deerfield, New York.  He is also survived by three grandchildren, Amanda Austin, wife of Nate Austin Corey Pardee and Sean Scarafile and two great-grandchildren, Cullen and Rory Austin.

Earl was a controller and financial analyst for most of his career, as well as the owner and proprietor of Gregory's Bookstore in New Hartford.  He was always available and giving to others, supportive of military veterans, and in his later years, a tax preparation volunteer for several nonprofit organizations.
He was also a long time member and volunteer at Zion Lutheran Church.
From a young age Earl spent time in Ocean City, New Jersey, a very special place where he vacationed with his entire family for years.  He enjoyed fishing and crabbing, a love he shared with his children and grandchildren.  Earl also enjoyed woodworking especially when he was able to create gifts for friends and family.

A memorial service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 630 French Road, New Hartford, at 1pm on Friday, November 25, 2016.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Earl's memory to the B. Thomas Golisano Hope Lodge/ Hospitality House, 1120 S. Goodman Street, Rochester, New York, 14620 or Hospice & Palliative Care Inc. at www.hospicecareinc.org.