With sadness we share the news of the death of Gail Deckenbach, 89, on December 26, 2025. She was a member of diocesan staff for 24 years (1981-2005), during which time she served as assistant to Diocesan Bishops Spong and Croneberger, Bishop Suffragan McKelvey, and Assisting Bishops Righter, Brome and Townsend.
Former diocesan Director of Administration Michael Francaviglia, who worked alongside Gail for 15 years, shares his memories of her:
“Devotion is an apt and expressive word to describe Gail’s presence and legacy. Her life demonstrated persistent love for family, friends, church, diocese and community. Always with a smile, never a frown, she was unwavering in her dedication and commitment to others who were fortunate to know her. With steadfast perseverance and firmness of spirit she guided and raised a family, supported the ministry of her husband during their years together, worked diligently and generously for many years at the diocese, shared her creative talents with her home parishes, and faced challenges with resilience and resolve.
“Gail was more than a colleague; she was a friend with whom I shared ministry in the diocese. We laughed for joy (and sanity), swapped recipes, planned staff holiday events, spent moments of quiet or merriment during lunch times, expressed infrequent exasperation (again, for sanity) when the unbelievable would cross our desks, viewed our work as part of a common calling in service to the diocese, and eagerly supported bishops (diocesan, suffragan and assisting), other staff members, clergy and laity in their respective ministries and churches.
“Gail gifted us with just having known and shared life with her, truly a gift most cherished and which can never be taken from us: the memory of a gracious and faithful lady, who will be enshrined in the minds and hearts of those whose lives were touched by hers. The world would be a better and kinder place if we but imitated her. It was a privilege for me to have known her. For that I am ever thankful to God.”
Father of all, we pray to you for Gail, and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May her soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
