Arthur "Art" D. Decko

Arthur "Art" D. Decko, 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.  Art was born on February 25, 1941 in New Haven, CT to the late Charles and Frances (Cesarek) Decko.  Early on, he lived in West Haven and then Orange, CT.  He graduated from Amity Regional High School in 1958 and was captain of the golf team.

Art is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Becky (Pandiscio), son Randy Decko and wife Dallas of Austin, TX; daughters: Tracy (Decko) Weiss of San Luis Obispo, CA and Tara (Decko) Bauer and husband Jon of Medfield, MA; grandchildren: Hannah and Peyton Weiss, Finn and Wyatt Bauer, and Harrison and Harper Decko; brothers: Gary Decko and wife Carolyn of Wethersfield, CT and Kenneth Decko and wife Marilyn of Sonoma, CA; and many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his brother Charles Decko of McLean, VA.

Art grew up caddying with his three brothers at Race Brook Country Club in Orange, CT and continued throughout high school.  Members counted on their services as they caddied in rain, shine or holidays – even Christmas if no snow was on the ground.

Art graduated from the University of Houston in 1962 with a degree in communications and worked as a television cameraman at KTRK TV/13 in Houston for two years.  Missing golf, in 1965, Art became the First Assistant Golf Professional at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, MA.  His mentor was the late, wonderful, Host Professional and PGA Tour Player, Paul Harney for whom he worked for several years. During their tenure, the club was host to PGA Tour Events as well as the LPGA Championship.  Thereafter, Art ran the Golf Academy and Executive Golf Club in East Falmouth, MA for Mr. Harney.

In 1974, Art was selected to be the Head PGA Professional at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, CT, where he remained for 14 years.  During this time, he returned to his hometown roots of Orange, CT and served on the Board of the CT Section PGA for 7 years.  He received the Club Professional of the Year Award from the CT Section PGA for his participation in various Section golf activities, his active status as a Board Member and his commitment to the development of many Junior Golf events.  During his tenure, Brooklawn hosted several USGA events.  Art was very proud to have played a round of golf with Gene Sarazen, the late, internationally known golf champion and PGA Tour golfer, who initially, worked in the golf shop at Brooklawn many years prior.

After leaving Brooklawn, Art started his own company creating and directing corporate and charity golf events in New England.  Art created colorful and memorable tournaments, one of which included military veteran color guard ceremonies and parachute jumpers carrying the US flag landing on the golf course.  Art’s tournaments exemplified professionalism with great details.  Several of the events were covered by Connecticut newspapers and television media.  Art was also very proud to have become a 50 year life member of the PGA of America.

Visiting hours for friends and family will be from 11:00 am – 12:45 pm on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at the Alexander F. Thomas & Sons Funeral Home, 45 Common Street, Walpole, MA.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 pm at Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond St, Walpole, MA.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Art’s name to the PGA Junior League - https://www.pgajrleague.com/donate