He was the son of Richard and Helena (nee French). His father was from Mallow, Co. Cork while his mother was from Ballinagoul, Ring. They had four sons and one daughter. At first the family lived in Main Street but later moved to Church Street. Dec was educated at the local CBS. On leaving school he served his time with Dan Fraher at his drapery business in Grattan Square. He later worked at the Leather factory, the Chocolate Crumb plant and Sarah Vaccine, a veterinary and medical concern. He then worked at Mulcahy's drapery store for 23 years until it's closure.

He had a strong interest in politics and represented the Fianna Fáil party both as an Urban and County councillor. He was Chairman of Dungarvan U.D.C. on three occasions and was a County Councillor for ten years.
 
His great love was the G.A.A. On his death he was President of the County Board. He played both hurling and football, and brought glory to Dungarvan and then Waterford. Major honours won by him include All-Ireland minor victory of 1929, junior All-Ireland honours in 1934, in 1938 he won his first Munster title, senior county hurling medal with Dungarvan in 1941 and won medals in both codes in every grade. He represented Munster teams in Railway Cups in both hurling and football. Dec retired from intercounty activity in 1946 and concentrated on administrative duties which he held for thirty years, including membership of the Munster County Fixtures Committee. He was county Secretary for 33 years, retiring in 1971. Dec died at his residence at 17 Church Street, on 4 January 1998, aged 84 years.