Obituary of Frank W. Decerbo, Jr.

Frank W. Decerbo, Jr., age 88, of Stratford passed away peacefully on April 9, 2015 at CT Hospice in Branford, surrounded by his loving family. He fought a valiant fight against cancer. He was the beloved husband of Esther Paumi Decerbo. Born in Bridgeport on November 6, 1926, he was the son of the late Frank W., Sr. and Margaret Donlon Decerbo. A graduate of Bridgeport's Central High School in 1944, Frank later served his country honorably in the U.S. Army in WWII under General Douglas MacArthur as a Technical Sergeant. He was an official U.S. Army Photographer in the Signal Corps during the Allied Occupation and Reconstruction of Japan. He was employed by the Post Publishing Company, where he worked as a news photographer and reporter covering Bridgeport Fire and Police Department news as well as State Police Troop G activity, until his retirement with 45 years of dedicated service. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In addition to his beloved wife of 62 years, Esther, other survivors include his loving children, Frank J. Decerbo of Stratford, Margaret M. Figerle and her husband George, Jr. of Stratford, Paul T. Decerbo and his wife Maria of Bridgeport, and Russell J. Decerbo of Stratford. Seven cherished grandchildren, Marissa Newman and her husband T.J. of Stratford, Laureen Gruner and her husband David of Waterbury, Michelle Decerbo of Boston, MA, Laura Dacorte and her husband Andrew of Milford, Paul C. Decerbo of New Bedford, MA, Antonio Decerbo of Bridgeport, and Michael Decerbo of Naugatuck. Four adored great grandchildren, Bria and Peyton Gruner, and A.J. and Nathan Newman as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Robert J. Decerbo. The family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. Vincent's Medical Center, Dr. Kingsley, Dr. Muldoon, Dr. Reznekoff, and the outstanding staff at Connecticut Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 13, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. DIRECTLY to Our Lady of Peace Church, 651 Stratford Rd., Stratford. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull on Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that contributions be made to St. Vincent's SWIM Across the Sound Foundation in memory of Frank W. Decerbo, Jr., 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606.