Milford A. Decker

Mr. Milford A. Decker, age 75, of Utica, and formerly of St. Johnsville, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with the love and support of his family by his side. Born in St. Johnsville, NY, on November 3, 1936, Milford was the son of the late Herman and Betty (Thompson) Decker. An only child, he was raised and educated in his home town. He then attended Hope College in Michigan receiving a BA and continued his studies in Theology at the New Brunswick Seminary in New Jersey. Milford shared his life with his beloved partner, Jeffrey K. Sterling. Milford served as Minister at the Reformed Church of America in New York and Pennsylvania and also as the Montgomery County Historian and Archivist. Deeply spiritual and loving, Milford was not afraid to speak his mind. He personified Christ’s teachings by feeding everyone through the love and goodness of His word. He was a Deacon at the Plymouth Bethesda United Church of Christ, a denomination that is accepting of gays and was proud to bake Parkerhouse rolls for their Easter dinners from a recipe originating at Beardslee Castle where Deacon Milford was a pastry chef. A member of the LGBT community, he supported the "Gay" community by organizing Pot Luck dinners for decades, and was a marriage ambassador for the Empire State Pride Agenda organization for equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. He was a charter member of the Palentine Settlement Society of Montgomery County. Milford enjoyed gardening, cooking, entertaining, reading, and researching genealogy through which he identified his ancestors as far back as King Charlamaine and the Pilgrims, and relatives who fought in the American Revolution and later US President Andrew Jackson. He was very prominent in promoting the preservation of Nellis Tavern in St. Johnsville and the Frisbee House in Salisbury Center and donated historical items to these landmarks. Milford is survived by his life partner, Jeffrey; his 5 children, many grandchildren, friends, daughter-in-law Lela (Kushma) Decker of St. Johnsville, and special cousin Betsy Emery of Syracuse. His family wishes to thank Milford’s caregivers for the love and concern rendered to him. Milford's funeral service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 1:00 at Plymouth Bethesda Church, 500 Plant St. Utica. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the services. All are invited to attend a Pot Luck Dinner at the church following services. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the Plymouth Bethesda Church, 500 Plant St., Utica, NY 13502, Nellis Tavern, Route 5 Vedder Road, St. Johnsville, NY 13452, Frisbee House, 109 State Rte. 29A, Salisbury Center, NY 13454 or Empire State Pride Agenda, Albany, NY; envelopes will be available at the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Milford A. Decker

November 3, 1936 - April 14, 2012