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Joseph N.G. Dechene
Posted 4/5/08
Joseph N.G. 'Gerry' Dechene, 86 LAUREL - Joseph N.G. "Gerry" Dechene, of Laurel, passed away Friday, April 4, 2008, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury, Md. He was 86. Gerry was born June …
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Joseph N.G. Dechene
Posted
Joseph N.G. 'Gerry' Dechene, 86
LAUREL - Joseph N.G. "Gerry" Dechene, of Laurel, passed away Friday, April 4, 2008, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury, Md. He was 86.
Gerry was born June 27, 1921, in Lewiston, Maine, son of the late Willie Dechene and Mari Anna (Landry) Dechene.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II as a commissioned officer, piloting with Air Transport 1333 AAFBU, flying supplies from India and China over the "Hump."
Gerry earned the Air Force Medal, Oak Leaf Cluster and Distinguished Flying Cross.
After serving his country, he graduated with a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Maine, with cum laude honors, in 1949, where he was elected a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Tau Beta Pi honor societies.
Following graduation, Gerry was employed by the E.I. DuPont Co. in Seaford, where he acquired two patents and retired after 33 years of service.
He was past secretary of the Laurel Public Library Commission, founding member and past secretary of Nanticoke Sportsman Club, member of the Air Force Association, Wilmington Warriors Association, Hump Pilots Association, Laurel Historical Society, National Rifle Association, Delaware State Sportsmen's Association, Laurel American Legion Post 19 and a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Seaford.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Annette Rita Morin Dechene; and two sons, Norman G. Dechene and Raymond W. Dechene.
He is survived by his sons, Bertrand L. Dechene and his wife Theresa of Millersville, Md., Phillip A. Dechene and his wife Latrelle of Knightdale, N.C., and Robert E. Dechene and his wife Denise of Laurel; daughter, Vivian D. Wheatley of Seaford; brothers, Fernand J. Dechene of East Angus, Quebec, and Albert L. Dechene of Lisbon, Maine; sister, Therese C. Morin of Lewiston; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and longtime friend and companion, Molly Collins of Laurel.
A Mass of Christian burial will be said at 10 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Stein Highway, Seaford.
Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday evening at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, 700 West St., Laurel.
Father John McKenna will officiate.
Interment will be 2 p.m. Friday in Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Bear.
