Obituary: Arthur D. Decko
Arthur “Art” D. Decko, 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. Art was born on February 25, 1941 in New Haven, CT to the late Charles and Frances (Cesarek) Decko. Early on, he lived in West Haven and then Orange, CT. He graduated from Amity Regional High School in 1958 and was captain of the golf team.
Art is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Becky (Pandiscio), son Randy Decko and wife Dallas of Austin, TX; daughters: Tracy (Decko) Weiss of San Luis Obispo, CA and Tara (Decko) Bauer and husband Jon of Medfield, MA; grandchildren: Hannah and Peyton Weiss, Finn and Wyatt Bauer, and Harrison and Harper Decko; brothers: Gary Decko and wife Carolyn of Wethersfield, CT and Kenneth Decko and wife Marilyn of Sonoma, CA; and many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Charles Decko of McLean, VA.
Art grew up caddying with his brothers at Race Brook Country Club in Orange, CT. Members counted on their services as they caddied in rain, shine or holidays – even Christmas if no snow was on the ground.
Art graduated from the University of Houston in 1962 with a degree in communications, and worked as a television cameraman at KTRK TV/13 in Houston. In 1965, Art became the First Assistant Golf Professional at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, MA, working for mentor and PGA Tour Player, Paul Harney. During their tenure, the club hosted PGA Tour Events and the LPGA Championship.
Art returned to his hometown roos of Orange, CT and served as Head PGA Professional at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, CT, from 1974 – 1988. In 1981, he received the Club Professional of the Year Award from the CT Section PGA for his status as a Board Member and commitment to the development of Junior Golf events. Art was very proud to become a 50-year life member of the PGA of America. One of his fondest memories was playing a round of golf with the late Gene Sarazen, the internationally known golf champion who had worked at Brooklawn many years prior.
In 1988, Art started his own company to create corporate and charity golf events, one of which included military veteran color guard ceremonies and parachute jumpers landing on the golf course. Many of his events were covered by the media.
Arrangements were in the capable hands of the Alexander F. Thomas & Sons Funeral Home, 45 Common Street, Walpole, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond St, Walpole, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Art’s name to the PGA Junior League - https://www.pgajrleague.com/donate.
