Ayden Decker Obituary
Ayden James Decker
October 20, 1998 – July 27, 2025
With broken hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Ayden James Decker on July 27, 2025, at Strong Memorial Hospital. Surrounded by the people who loved him most, Ayden passed at the age of 26.
Ayden was born in Bath, New York and grew up in Prattsburgh, where he graduated in 2017 from Prattsburgh Central School. He was known for his natural athleticism and especially for his love of basketball. After high school, he began his career with IBEW Local 1249, where he worked for eight years. He liked being outdoors, working hard, and being part of something hands-on.
Ayden was the kind of person people didn’t always understand at first, but if you really knew him, you knew how deeply he loved. He could be intense, funny, stubborn, and full of energy — all in the same breath. He had a smile that could light up any room, and a laugh that was impossible not to join in on. He loved hard, would do anything for the people he cared about, and showed up in the ways that mattered. Whether he was with family and friends, playing with Bonnie and Clyde, or grabbing a bite to eat, Ayden was most at peace when life felt easy and full of people he cared about.
He is survived by his mother, Becky Cermak; his father, Richard Decker (Jackie Shutz Filkins); his sister, Madison Cermak (Griffin Kleps); his nephew, Kameron Kleps, who he adored; his step sisters, Gabrielle and Harper Filkins; his grandparents, Pete and Pat Kopilchak and Terry Rooks. Ayden was predeceased by his grandparents, James Decker and Pamela Patrick. He also leaves behind extended family, close friends, and his union brothers.
There will be no formal services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date this Fall. If you wish to honor Ayden’s memory, donations may be made in his name to IBEW Local 1249, an organization that was a meaningful part of his life.
Ayden left this world far too soon. He was loved more than he probably realized and touched more lives than he knew. He’ll be missed every single day by the people who truly knew his heart. And somewhere out there, his dog Riley is wagging her tail again — finally back with her dad.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
31 W. Morris St., Bath, NY 14810
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