A native of Utica, Bill Deck grew up in Whitesboro. He became an outstanding all-around athlete at Whitesboro Central School and St. Lawrence University, and eventually one of the most respectful basketball officials in Central New York.

He played on three consecutive Central Oneida League championship basketball teams, 1949-51, and two Section III, Class A championship teams, 1949 and 1951, while at Whitesboro Central. He also played football and baseball at Whitesboro, and graduated in 1951.

He continued in all three sports at St. Lawrence University, graduating in 1955. After a two-year stint in the army, he became a teacher at Marcy State Hospital's Crane Hill School for 30 years until his retirement.

An enthusiastic Muny League baseball and softball player for many years, Deck became an equally enthusiastic Little League and American Legion baseball coach. He also coached Pop Warner football for 14 years.

Confident, controlled and always fair, Deck was a respected basketball official, serving for 30 years from 1959 to 1988. He served as president of the basketball officials board, and for many years was its chief rules interpreter and assigner.

Deck earned the respect of his peers when he served as president of the Civil Service Employees Association, Local 434.

Perhaps his finest hour came in 1991 as coach of the New York Mills freshman football team. He led the players to an undefeated season even though he was stricken with cancer. He died at the age of 59 in 1991.