Jeraldine Ann Decker

After fighting bravely through years of illnesses, Jerry’s body finally grew weary, and on December 6th, she left this world with the same courage she carried through her life. In that peaceful moment, she was reunited with the love of her life, her husband of 54 years, Ted—an embrace she had longed for since his passing.
Jerry leaves behind her two devoted daughters, Sharon (John) Decker Clark and Karen (Angelo) Congilaro, who were her pride and joy. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Anthony (Lauren) Decker, and her granddaughters Alyssa Marsh and Hannah Congilaro, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
As the eldest of nine children, Jerry’s love and strength shaped an entire family. She is survived by her siblings, Louann Palermo, Sarah Palermo, Josephine Koch, JC Palermo, Julie Palermo, and Lenny Palermo, along with countless nieces and nephews who adored their “Aunt Jerry.” She was welcomed into eternity by her husband Ted, her brother Butch Palermo, her sister Tia Ravich, her mother Beatrice Palermo, her biological father Royal MacDonald, her adoptive father Joseph Palermo, her niece Lindsay and her nephew Christian.
Jerry grew up in Mt. Morris, NY, and later moved to Rochester, where she met Ted and began a love story that would define her life. Together, they built a home in Farmington and raised their daughters on a lively horse farm filled with laughter, work, and the chaos of animals. Jerry was a fierce protector of her family—God help anyone who ever tried to cross them. Her love was passionate, loyal, and unwavering.
She devoted her early years to raising her daughters and caring for all of their animals before returning to work, first with Ontario County and later at City Hall in Rochester, where she eventually retired. Retirement, however, never slowed her down. Ever full of energy, Jerry returned to part-time work in the Victor Central School cafeteria, delighted by the bustle around her.
Animals were woven into every chapter of her life. She spent many years raising racehorses before turning her loving attention to her two ragdoll cats and her beloved chihuahua, Cinnamon, who may have left before her, but who never left her heart.
After Ted’s passing, Jerry moved to South Carolina in search of warmth and a fresh chapter. She eventually made her home with her daughter Karen and her family, who cared for her with tenderness, humor, and unwavering devotion. Her final three years were filled with comfort, companionship, and the deep love of family.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held in New York during the summer months of 2026. She was loved beyond measure and leaves behind a legacy of strength, loyalty, and fierce devotion. Though her absence will be felt every day, we take comfort in knowing she is once again in the arms of her beloved Ted and reunited with all those she has missed so dearly.

Jeraldine Ann Decker of Conway passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025.  Ocean View Funeral Home and Beach Crematory, Conway Chapel, is assisting the Decker Family.

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