Antonio Roque Dechen, who served as the director of the Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (Esalq) at the University of São Paulo (USP), has died at the age of 75 after being hospitalized for over a month due to a stroke. His contributions to the field of agriculture and education have been recognized by colleagues and students alike, highlighting his influence over many generations.

In his role as director from 2007 to 2010, Dechen was known for his dedication to the institution and his commitment to advancing agricultural practices in Brazil. The current director of Esalq, Professor Thais Vieira, emphasized that Dechen's legacy is reflected in the respect and affection students have for him, much of which is rooted in his mentorship during their studies.

Dechen was posthumously honored for his impact on agriculture, including being named Agronomist of the Year in 2006. His passing marks a significant loss to the agricultural academic community, but his influence will continue to inspire future generations of agronomists and educators in Brazil.