SALISBURY, Md. – Joseph N.G. “Gerry” Dechene, 86, of Laurel, Del., passed away on April 4, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

Gerry was born June 27, 1921, in Lewiston, a son of the late Willie Dechene and Mari Anna Landry Dechene.

He proudly served in the Army Air Corps during World War II as a commissioned officer, piloting with Air Transport 1333 AAFBU, flying supplies from India and China over the “Hump.” He earned the Air Force Medal and Oak Leaf Cluster and Distinguished Flying Cross.

After serving his country, he graduated with a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Maine, Cum Laude in 1949, where he was elected a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Tau Beta Pi Honor societies. After graduation, he was employed by the E.I. DuPont Co. in Seaford, Del., where he acquired two patents and retired after 33 years of service.

He was past secretary of the Laurel Public Library Commission and a charter member and past secretary of Nanticoke Sportsman Club, member of the Air Force Association, Wilmington Warriors Association, Humps Pilot’s Association, Laurel Historical Society, National Rifle Association, Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association, the Laurel American Legion Post 19 and a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Seaford, Del.

He is survived by his sons, Bertrand L. Dechene and his wife, Theresa, of Millersville, Md., Phillip A. Dechene and his wife, Latrelle, of Knightdale, N.C., and Robert E. Dechene and his wife, Denise, of Laurel, Del.; daughter, Vivian D. Wheatley of Seaford, Del.; his brothers, Fernand J. Dechene of East Angus, Quebec, and Albert L. Dechene of Lisbon; a sister, Therese C. Morin of Lewiston; seven grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and longtime friend and companion, Molly Collins of Laurel, Del.

He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Annette Rita Morin Dechene; and two sons, Norman G. Dechene and Raymond W. Dechene.