Roger B. Decker ’53

PRINCETON'S CLASS OF 1953 has lost one of its most dedicated members. Roger Decker succumbed to cancer Sept. 6, 1993, after a long and gallant fight.

Roger came to us from Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh. He was a history major, wrote his thesis on Theodore Roosevelt, and played or attempted to play every I.A.A. sport available. At Tower, he served as sports chairman.

After graduation, Roger was drafted, served two years, mostly in White Sands, N.Mex., and then joined Alcoa. In 1958, he moved to Philadelphia and entered the securities business, where he practiced for the balance of his professional life. In 1988, he switched his business over to the Bryn Mawr office of Legg Mason Wood Walker, a few blocks from his house in Haverford.

True to form, Roger took on a number of commitments in service and sport. Among them, the boards of Saunders House, Wynnewood, and the Woods School, Langhorne, particularly benefited by his involvement.

Roger was one of '53's most successful class president's, serving from our 20th through our 25th reunions. We will remember him for his openness to others; he truly cared for his friends.

Roger is survived by Ellen, his wife of over 32 years; his children, Tom, Holly, and David; his brother, Dick '47; and sister, Sandy Siebert. To them, we extend our deepest sympathies and share with them the knowledge that this world is better and many hearts lighter for Roger's having been here. We will all have wonderful memories of him and his example for living.

The Class of 1953