DECHTER

SAMUEL JOSEPH

Age 83, of Richland, WA, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026. "Sam" was born April 21, 1942, in McKeesport, PA. He was the son of Dr. Joseph M. and Ruth E. (Young) Dechter, RN. An excellent student, he graduated valedictorian at East McKeesport High School in 1960. He was awarded a full-ride scholarship to Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh, PA, continuing to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in science. He was also active in the C.I.T. band, playing the clarinet, tenor saxophone, and bagpipes, becoming a proud Kiltie piper. Sam was actively involved in two fraternities: the Alpha Phi Omega-Kappa chapter and Delta Tau Delta, finishing his senior year as vice president of his chapter.

After college, he married Kathy Thompson on August 6, 1966, and was hired as a nuclear scientist by Westinghouse Electric Company. As he rose in management, the family moved all over the US, having lived in East McKeesport, PA; Pittsburgh, PA (returning multiple times); Pocatello, ID; Concord, CA; Cincinnati, OH; and Richland, WA.

Sam was active in Boy Scouts his entire life, earning his Eagle Scout badge in 1958. All three sons, Andy, Christopher, and Steve, also became Eagle Scouts. He had a love for bicycling and would "bike each year" in miles. He achieved his goal in 2024.

A man of deep Christian faith, Sam was an active member of his church, first in youth groups, then leadership. He served locally and nationally, most recently at Kennewick First Presbyterian. Sam was a humble man who was loved, cherished, and admired by his community.

After retiring, he stayed active in his community. Sam spent as much time as he could with his grandchildren, making many wonderful memories together, including serving grandkids his famous "sketti," baking and decorating cookies, and playing Uno and Sorry. He will be greatly missed.

Sam was preceded in death by both parents; his brother, Jim; and daughter-in-law, Angel (Andy). He is survived by his wife, Kathy of Richland, WA; his sister, Nancy; sons, Andy Dechter of Hebron, KY, Christopher Dechter of Laramie, WY, and Steve (Shari) Dechter of Richland, WA; and his grandchildren Maxwell, Zoey, and Ellie.

Memorial donations may be made to Kennewick First Presbyterian Church, 2001 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336.