Arthur Decio Obituary

My brother, Bishop John D´Arcy, was a good friend and admirer of Art. He was always so grateful for his generous gifts to the diocese of Fort Wayne-South-Bend. I remember him flying to Boston for my mother´s wake and my sister´s funeral. A great man

Allow me to extend very sincere sympathy to the immediate and extended families of Arthur Decio and to share a few of my indelible experiences with him about 45 years ago.
I remember meeting with Art Decio in his Elkhart office when I was a journalist at a local TV station back in the 70's. My chat with this amazing man centered on life and just getting to know one another. Art was extremely successful and his achievements in Northern Indiana were many. During the conversation, to my surprise, he wanted my opinion on how the local economy was performing and the stock market, even though my annual salary was pocket change for him. I asked why and he said he respected my thoughts. Wow, did Art make me feel important!
When I moved to Florida in the early 80's I never forgot that meeting or the several times we conversed on the phone or ran into one other at an event. I always thought, "What a charismatic individual!"
Not many people know this, but for many years he had property in Palm Beach county, which may be why his obituary is in the Post. Whenever I drove past his residence, a big smile unconsciously beamed across my face, as I remembered the man who took time to get to know me as a person, not just a face on television. The world has lost one of its great humans. God speed, Mr. D.

Please except my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time of grieving. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

My prayers go out to the entire Decio family. Take comfort in knowing he is in God's hands now.
Art's legacy extends to hundreds and thousands in business, academia and the community who benefitted from Art's vision. I am lucky and proud to have known him.

I worked for Skyline for 13 yrs, my favorite memory of Art was his singing, the amazing smell of his cologne lingering down the hall. He was a very kind man. Prayers to his loved ones..

Dear sweet, Art” what a wonderful, man! A Legend, wonderful family man! And husband, to beautiful, Patrica. Loved being, your Nurse at Dr. Lee’s office. Loved all, the stories, we always charred. Loved your friendship, I know, you are, united again, With our, beautiful Pat. God bless, you both. And thank, you Art, For all, your donations! and charities!,,, Rip beautiful friend. Nurse Laurie B. ✝

Mr Decio was one of the finest men I have met. His obituary only tells half the story. He loved Elkhart and was kind to everyone he met Di and I will miss him.

I want to say Thank-You! I have worked in non-profit field where is has given so much to support the Elkhart Community! Your family can be so proud of your father! What an example to all!

My thoughts and prayers are with the Decio family during this time of sorrow.
Mike Sweet

My heartfelt sympathies to the family

Terry and Family, our Condolences Pam and Craig Ditzler

I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Matt, Susan and I were in Elkhart visiting a few years ago and we ran into your Dad and Jay at Cappy’s. As always, he was so warm and friendly. It was wonderful to see them both and he was very excited about his new house being completed. A philanthropist who did so much for Elkhart; he will be missed by all. Thinking of you during this difficult he time. Leslie Richardson Simpson

When I was about 11 or 12 (1978-79) and my Sunday school class was "trick or treating" for UNICEF along Greenleaf Blvd. Although I had heard the Decio name, I was unaware until later of his legacy. He was home alone, answered his door and invited a group of cold pre-teen kids and couple of adults inside his kitchen for cider and donuts. He was so easy to talk to, as he worked his way around the group asking questions of what we were interested in, which schools we attended, our family names... It made a HUGE impression on me as I can visualize it today. Adults didn't typically spend time listening to kids in that way. He was genuine and interested in each of us as an individual. He also wanted us to explain the charity we were collecting coins for. We left warm, full and bursting with chatter about the experience. He did donate to each of our collection boxes, but gave us so much more from the experience. He had introduced himself as Art, so I wasn't aware of his status of being Art Decio, until one of the adults mentioned it on ride back to our church. God Bless Mr.Decio and may the family find peace in these days of transition.

I worked for Skyline for almost 28 years. Mr. Decio was always very kind to me.
My last 1 1/2 years at the company, I was receptionist at the front desk. Mr, Decio was always singing while waiting for the elevator.
I will be praying for his family.

An amazing legacy and gentleman. As a child of the 70’s, “Sesame Street” was very important in my education and exposure to diversity and kindness. Mr. Decio’s ability to get that quality program on in the community helped countless children, their parents and future generations. Thank you!
Prayers to the Decio family.

Exemplary in every way. Deepest sympathy to the Decio family.