The Edward Decker Memorial Fund

The Edward Decker Memorial Fund provides scholarships to talented students looking to pursue a career in music.

Ed loved his family, his many friends, life and music. His energy and his passion were infectious. Ed gave his all to everything that he did. He worked hard for many years to elevate his guitar playing to the level that it was at the time of his passing.

He was fortunate to be able to study music in college, and even more fortunate to have received a grant to study with the legendary Bucky Pizzarelli.

Traveling the world, playing Jazz guitar with Tony DeSare and some of the finest pop orchestras in the world was something that Ed was immensely proud of. Nothing gave him more pleasure than to share his talent and his music with others.

The purpose of the Edward Decker Memorial Fund is to grant scholarships to deserving talented young musicians who plan to major in music in college. Ed would be honored to be able to help a young musician follow their dream or pursuing a career in music.

In 2026, The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation’s The Edward R. Decker Memorial Fund awarded its first grant to Hackensack High School. The grant provided a $1,000 scholarship to Martin Rojas to attend New York University’s Clive Davis Institute, where he planned to study recorded music and continue his artistic career, as a singer songwriter and producer.

Martin Rojas 

During high school, Martin assumed leadership positions, including captain of the Hackensack High School Volleyball team and vice-president of the Drama Club. He also participated in honor music programs with Tri-M Music Society, All State Jazz Choir, the region’s Classical Choir, and twice with the region’s Jazz Choir.Among his awards, Martin received an honorable mention in NJPTSA Original Music Composition contest in 2025, and he also won the New Jersey Shout Down Drugs contest in 2025.