Services held for Peter Decker, Jr.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The funeral service for Peter G. Decker, Jr. was held Monday in Norfolk at blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

City leaders, family, friends and members of the Hampton Roads community were in attendance to say goodbye. Father Joe Metzger told those gathered that Decker was a bridge builder who connected people and communities. He also noted Decker's charity work with St. Jude's Hospital.

Mayor Fraim gave the eulogy.

Afterwards, a remembrance was held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, where former state House speaker and Norfolk Treasurer Tom Moss told WAVY.com, "He was a catalyst, a lobbyist for the city of Norfolk. Everything he did always kept Norfolk first."

Decker, also known as "Uncle Pete" passed away Friday morning after a long battle with cancer. He was 76 years old.

Decker was born August 13, 1935 and was the seventh child of immigrant parents from Lebanon.

No one did more to promote his beloved Norfolk and Hampton Roads than Uncle Pete.

One of Decker's dearest friends Federal Judge Robert Doumar said, "Imagine somebody who was always positive, never negative, everything was good, everybody is good, he'd find something good no matter what and would find something nice to say about them."

Decker had an infectious enthusiasm for everything he did and gave tours to children around Nauticus .

"Pete would meet each of the children at the bus. He would shake their hands. He would talk to them. He would make sure they had a firm hand shake and tell them to look him in the eye. He wanted them to maintain good grades and if they needed help, to come see him in the future," Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim recalled.

Fraim called Decker "the most influential man in our area".

When the powerful got in trouble, they called the Peter G. Decker, Jr. Law Firm . Decker, the seventh child of immigrant parents from Lebanon, created one of the most powerful law firms in Virginia.

Decker's law partner, Martin Thomas, said, "Pete would bring someone in my office. He would tell me, 'You need to fill out these papers for this person'. He would say, 'They are an old friend of mine and I want you to help him'. I realized then the person couldn't read or write and just needed something filled out and so we do that."

Thomas has run the law firm since 1995, but Decker was always nearby and involved in some cases. He was also a substitute Judge.

10 On Your Side called on him to put Occupy Norfolk in legal context.

Decker was a cheerleader for all that is good in Norfolk. He emceed the "Champions of Hospitality," recognizing the unsung heroes of the local tourism industry.

Decker loved to sing when WAVY traveled with him during a Road Rebels Report .

Decker won many awards. He was most proud when his mermaid city Norfolk gave him the Prestigious Citizens Award.

Decker was always at Sports Director Bruce Rader's St. Jude Golf Tournament.

Rader issued the following statement:

" It is impossible to articulate the passion and love Peter Decker Jr. had for the people of Norfolk and Hampton Roads, and the endless lives he touched in so many positive ways.

His offer to everyone was simple. “Dedicate your life to helping others, especially children, and I will always be there for you.”

God’s greatest gift to me was to be loved and mentored by Uncle Pete. It is now up to us to honor his legacy by continuing his work."

Decker was well known for his tireless efforts on behalf of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital . He was asked by St. Jude founder Danny Thomas to raise money for the hospital. Over the years, Decker responded by raising millions.

Jack Paclatt's daughter, Suzy, was a St. Jude patient who lost her courageous battle with cancer. Jack said, "It's funny. Suzy got to meet Elton John and Billy Joel, but when the reporter asked her who she had met and who is really important she said 'having Peter Decker sing Happy Birthday to me. He's my friend.' "

Decker and his wife Bess would have been married 50 years on Dec. 1. He had three sons - Peter III, Paul, and Phillip.