Lifelong Setauket Resident Dan Decker Dies At 60

SETAUKET, NY — Jay Daniel “Dan” Decker passed away on Nov. 13, surrounded by his beloved family.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie (Winston) Decker; daughter, Courtney Decker; son, Daniel Decker, MD; and sisters Debbie (Decker) Gans and Dana (Decker) Knorr. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Alice Decker.

Growing up in Wichita, Kansas, Dan attended Wichita Southeast High School where he
excelled academically, played football, served as senior class president, and built
numerous lifelong friendships.

He attended the University of Kansas and was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in 1985. Throughout his youth, stories of his kindness as well as hilarious adventures abound and will be shared (as appropriate!) for years to come. He will always be remembered for his indomitable spirit and joy for life, and deep love for his family and friends.

Dan made the most of his scientific background and his people skills by pursuing a successful professional life in medical and life-science sales and corporate leadership. Launching his career in 1985 as a sales representative with Becton Dickenson Corporation, Dan quickly advanced into successive management roles leading to two decades of leadership as Vice President of Sales for Eppendorf North America.

Of all Dan's professional achievements, his most lasting impact are the hundreds of careers he
nurtured and the many industry leaders who recognize him as their most important, impactful, and cherished colleague, mentor, and friend.

He loved the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas Jayhawks, and every team his son Daniel and daughter Courtney ever played on. Many of their friends and teammates were blessed by his untiring encouragement and ability to see the best in everyone.

Throughout his life, he remained in contact with many of them as he followed their successes and continued to inspire them.

Services to celebrate his life will be held in Setauket, New York, at the Setauket Presbyterian Church on Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. A second celebration of life event will be held in Kansas in the spring or summer of 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blanca’s House, an organization that provides much-needed quality medical care to countries and communities throughout Latin America. For more information, go to www.blancashouse.org.