Thomas Walter Dec, 53, of 1 Warren Ave., Auburn, was welcomed by the Lord on Thursday, May 14, 2015.

Mr. Dec was born on April 15, 1962 in Auburn, the son of Maryann Coyne Dec and the late Walter Francis Dec.  He was a graduate of Auburn High School, class of 1979, attended Siena College and Auburn Community College (CCC), graduating with a degree in computer science.

Tom was a music enthusiast, played the trombone, tuba, and harmonica.  Tom was a DJ at Siena College, where he met The Cars.  He was an avid listener to a variety of genres and had a particular fondness for death metal.  He also attended every farewell concert tour of the WHO and was looking forward to attending their concert in Toronto, this coming October.  Judas Priest, Scorpions, and particularly the local band, Man-O-War were among his favorites.

His many other interests and hobbies included being actively involved with NASCAR races at Watkins Glen and the Poconos, and owning and restoring vintage vans and automobiles.  He loved bowling at the Sicz Club and the Polish Falcons.  He was a big collector of matchbox cars, having more than 2,000 of these small cars.  He and his significant other, Cheryl, enjoyed camping for the last 20 years at Cayuga Lake State Park.  He played city league softball as an adult.

Tom was the most recent vice-president of the Sicz Club.  He was also a member of the Polish Falcons of America.  He was very proud of his Eastern European heritage.

From the age of 18 to 22, he was employed by Community Computer.  He went on to become a manager of Nichols Department Store, first in Auburn, and then in Oneonta, N.Y.  When Nichols closed, Tom moved back to Auburn and worked at Auburn Consolidated, and for the past 18 years has been employed by AAI (Auburn Armature).

Mr. Dec is survived by his mother, Maryann; daughter, Kelly Dec DeCaro (Tim Short); his grandchildren, Thomas and Bethany DeCaro; brothers, Michael (Susanne), Arthur, and Francis (Jaclyn); his sister, Sheila Abina (Juan); longtime companion, Cheryl Bellnier, and her son, Robert (Kelli) Bellnier, and their children, Quin and Wyatt, along with Cheryl’s daughter, Lisa (David Steinbacher), and their children, Kayla, Joshua, and Jacob; nephews, David and Michael P. Dec, Matthew Dec, and Rafael Abina; nieces, Courtney Dec, Alicia Dec, Juliet, and Bridget Abina.  His godfather, James Coyne (Dianne), and their children, Kristen, Jessica, Jolene, Kennedy, and Kamber also survive him.

In addition to his father, Walter, he was predeceased by his nephew, Michael Walter Dec, and cousins, Kelly Coyne and David Smith.

Friends are invited to join the family for a Mass of Christian burial which will be offered at 10 a.m. on Monday in St. Hyacinth Church.  Burial will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  Calling hours for Tom will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 17 at the Cheche Funeral Home, 1778 Clark St. Road, Auburn.  

Contributions may be made in memory of Tom to the Diabetes Fund or the Leukemia Foundation.