R. Thomas Decker

December 6, 1937 - October 26, 2022

Growing up in Sausalito as a third-generation member of The San Francisco Yacht Club, Tom Decker’s passion was being on the water. In his early years, he honed his sailing skills on his uncle’s Thunderbird sloop. His competitiveness and drive came from racing his Ranger 23. His relaxation and enjoyment came from cruising in his Islander 36. And he reaped the rewards of life, in retirement, aboard his Hinckley Picnic Boat “M”.

Tom Decker passed away October 26th, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Denise Mularoni Decker, his daughter Jennifer Decker Buck, and son-in-law Gary Buck of Eagle, Colorado. He is predeceased by his son, James Laidlaw Decker.

He graduated from Tamalpais HS, Mill Valley, CA, and Stanford University in 1958. After Stanford, he spent three years as a US Navy Officer, honorably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He then started his banking career and in 1962 joined Booth Leasing Corporation as Senior Vice President. He later founded Wells Fargo Leasing in 1972. By 1977 he was Executive Vice President and Director of Corporate Banking Group. In 1987 he went to Bank of America as Executive Vice President, head of Corporate Banking in the US, Canada, and Latin America. He moved to Los Angeles in 1992 with BofA as Executive Vice President. He retired in 2000 and returned to San Francisco 2011.

With his loving wife, Denise, they became very active altruistically as civic, cultural, and healthcare volunteers. Among the many organizations that benefited from their largesse: Marin Council Boy Scouts of America, Children’s Burn Foundation, UCLA Healthcare, CA Science Center, CA State University Foundation, LA Library, LA Economic Development Corporation, LA Chamber of Commerce, LA Music Center, CA Chamber of Commerce, Catholic Healthcare Hospitals, Henry Mancini Institute, Japan America Society and Japanese American National Museum.

In 2013 Tom was the recipient of the Kunsho Medal Award, Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. This outstanding honor is bestowed upon only a select few by the Emperor of Japan for outstanding service and contribution to bridge U. S. Japan relations.

Per his wishes, there will be a private ceremony at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Stanford University Hospital for Pancreatic Research. Tom Decker was a gregarious, intelligent, accomplished gentleman, loved by all, and he made the world a better place.