Robert Joseph 'Bob' Dechene Obituary (1930

LONG LAKERobert Joseph Dechene. Bob Dechene, son of the late W.Ernest Dechene and Sarah Parks Dechene died January 16, 2015 at Mercy Living Center following a lengthy illness. He was born April 24, 1930 in Utica, New York, as this was the closest hospital to his father's logging operation at that time. Bob grew up in Tupper Lake at the farm on Stetson Road. He attended Tupper Lake schools and graduated high school in 1948. He reminisced about playing on Tupper's first undefeated football team. From the time he could carry an ax Bob worked in the family lumber business. He lived through the transition from lumbering with horses, which he recalled with fondness, to the use of machines. Given his extensive knowledge of the lumbering industry his stories were recorded by the Adirondack Museum as part of a regional history project in the 1990's.Bob entered the United States Army in May 1951 during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany where he served as Chief Wheel Mechanic. He was transferred to the Army Reserves in 1953 and honorably discharged in 1957. Work was indelible to Bob's character. When returning to Long Lake Bob worked for his good friend, George Harrington, at the Dodge dealership. He was then employed by the Town of Long Lake for several years as a sand truck and snow plow driver and heavy equipment operator. Bob was the caretaker for Adirondack Wilderness Camp (formally Camp Riverdale) where he and Noonie made lasting friendships. Eventually he owned his own business, Upstate Sewer Cleaners. He also worked at Fort Drum for his cousin Paul Thesier & Sons Paving Company. Later Bob was elected as Highway Superintendent for the Town of Long Lake, the position from which he retired.Committed to service for the Long Lake community Bob was a founding member of the Long Lake Rescue Squad and was a member of the fire department. Given his considerable familiarity with the lake and shoreline properties he was one of the first persons recruited to assist with lake related rescue or recovery operations. Bob was elected to the Long Lake Central School Board of Education where he served for several years. As President of the Board he was proud to award high school diplomas to three of his children. Bob was also a member of the American Legion Post 650 and in later years a committed member of AA.He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mildred "Noonie" Burns Dechene, son Robert and his wife Peggy of Long Lake, daughters Lisa Colby and her husband Bill of Newburyport, MA, Laura Bessette and her husband Bob of Chateaugay, and son Richard and his wife Hillarie of Long Lake, grandchildren Anna Dechene, Grant Dechene and his wife Stephanie, Prudence and Lillian Dechene, a great-granddaughter Lucy and a great-grandson Desmond and brother-in-law Bazil Burns.Also left to remember him are his brothers and sisters and their families, Donna and Bucky Kentile, Dorothy Bedore, Donald and Shirley Dechene, Robbie and Joann Dechene and Dennis and Beulah Dechene, all of Tupper Lake; and Petesy and Lloyd Harris of Cassville, NY; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by an older brother Ernest "Sonny" and sisters Delia "Dee Dee" Deliar and Darlene Lilly-Shultz.A service will be held on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the Calvary United Methodist Church, Long Lake, New York, followed by a graveside service in the Long Lake cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions made in Bob's memory to the Long Lake Rescue Squad at 8555 Newcomb Road, Long Lake, NY 12847.The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care Pop received from everyone at Mercy Living Center. The family also wishes to express immeasurable appreciation to his sisters and brothers, our aunts and uncles, for their devotion, comfort and loving support with which he was blessed throughout his extended stay at Mercy. Online condolences can be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.