Dale Decker, 54, of Middletown, formerly of Meriden, passed away on Monday September 11, 2017 at MidState Medical Center in Meriden after a lengthy illness. Dale was born in Meriden on August 12, 1963, son of Vincent Decker and the late Felicia Brow Decker. He was a chef and prep cook at Wesleyan University and loved to cook. He also spent many years as a truck driver. Driving trucks was his true passion. Dale was extremely handy, once being able to fix a car with nothing more than a soup can. He thoroughly enjoyed the beach and being by the water. Dale was a major animal lover. He would often bring in and care for neighborhood animals and treat them as his own. Dale was a family man first and foremost. He is survived by his daughters Danielle Dobrindt (Mike), Renee and Katherine Decker; sons Nicholas and Joshua Pearson; his wife Nicole Decker; father Vincent Decker (Connie); and sister Alicia Sita. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Breana, Lilly, Jacob, and Sage'; nephews Michael, James, and Matthews Sita; and niece Sara Sita. He was very much loved and will forever be missed by his family and friends. Funeral services for Dale will be private. Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.