William Junior “Bill” Walck, 98, of 150 Maple St., Black River, passed away May 14, 2019 at the Nottingham RHCF Residential Health Care Facility in Jamesville, NY where he had been a resident since May 29, 2018. He was born on January 14, 1921 in Lehighton, PA, son of William John and Sallie (Kilburn) Walck. He graduated from Lehighton High School in 1938.
Following school he went to Radio Corporation of America Institute in NYC where he studied radio theory. Upon his graduation a fellow graduate and student from Pennsylvania went to Watertown to work at a new radio station, WWNY Radio. They were both founding employees and Bill was the last surviving original employee.
He entered the US Army and served with Signal Corp where he trained soldiers in radio theory and operation. He served in the European Theater following D-Day and finished his military career in the service working in the telephone branch on Camp Drum. While working there he met his future wife, Anna Kilburn who was a telephone operator.
The couple married on December 6, 1946 at Concordia Lutheran Church. They resided in Watertown before moving to Black River in 1948. Upon his honorable discharge from the military he returned to work for WWNY Radio in 1941.
He was transferred to WCNY TV now known as WWNY TV until he retired in 1986. He was known by all as Master Control. During this time he also taught radio theory at Clarkson University.
He served as secretary and treasurer for NABET Union Local 24, treasurer for the North Country Library System and Black River Library. He was an avid investor and enjoyed watching the stock market on tv up until he passed. He was a former member of the VFW, received the American Legion Citizen of the Year award and volunteered for the Boy Scouts.
He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending their various activities. Among his survivors are two sons and their wives, William John and Barbara A. Walck, Black River, Richard Earle and Linda Walck, Fairfax, VA, four grandchildren, Dr. Ann (Andrew) Iannotta, N Syracuse, NY, Jennifer Walck, Sackets Harbor, Kathleen (John Paul) Runge, Okinawa, Japan, Charles W. Walck, N Syracuse, NY, five great grandchildren, Scarlett, Westley, Ava, Audrey and Daniel. His beloved wife Anna Walck passed away August 21, 1997, a brother Henry passed as a young child and a sister, Sister Bertha Walck predeceased him.
Calling hours will be 5 to 8 . m. Tuesday, May 21 at the Bruce Funeral Home, Black River.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, at the St. John’s Episcopal Church. Burial will be in Sanford Corners at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church 147 West Remington Street, Black River, NY 13601.
Online condolences may be made at www.
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