CORNELIUS “NEIL” DECKER, 64,

a seven year resident of Green Valley, and formerly of Staten Island, N.Y., passed away in his home on Dec. 11, 2007.

He worked as a N.Y. state corrections officer, retiring in 1997 after 32 years of service. He was a union official and advocate for N.Y. state and local negotiators, representing AFSCME (AFL-CIO).

He was a leader for Boy Scout Troop 8 of Staten Island and was very proud when his son Kurt achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

While attending Wagner College, he was on the football team and was invited to try out for the N.Y. Giants.

He travelled with his wife, camping and trailering the East Coast and then extensively in Arizona and the Southwest region.

He was president of the Clara Vista del Valle HOA.

Surviving are his wife of 43 years, the former Nancy Marvel; son Kurt; daughter Kathleen Decker; and brother William “Bill” Decker of Staten Island.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m -3 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. today, Sunday, Dec.16, at the Green Valley Mortuary.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m., also at Green Valley Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Green Valley Community Food Bank.