Former state Sen. Alex Deccio stricken with pneumonia

Published 11:45 pm Sunday, December 13, 2009

YAKIMA — Rep. Norm Johnson says former state Senator Alex Deccio is seriously ill with pneumonia.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reported 88-year-old Deccio was hospitalized at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. Deccio has faced several health challenges lately, including kidney dialysis, diabetes and prostate cancer.

Johnson, a Republican from Yakima, is acting as the family’s spokesman. He says Deccio is resting and coherent and that his family has asked for privacy.

Deccio retired from the state Senate in 2006 after 32 years in politics. He was elected nine times to the state Legislature.