Worcester has lost a double Hall of Famer and a member of the greatest generation. John Deknis, 95, died April 18, 2009. He leaves behind sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews & nieces, grandnephews & grandnieces, great-grandnephews & great-grandnieces, many friends and former colleagues. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Amy, to whom he was married for 66 years.
John refereed basketball games in Worcester and surrounding towns for high schools, summer leagues and colleges for 63 years, retiring at the age of 89. He was featured in news articles about his extensive refereeing career and was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. By that time John was already a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs Hall of Fame because of his outstanding volunteer work. He was featured on several occasions on local sports TV programs.
John was an avid and excellent golfer with a house full of trophies. He was the 1953 Club Champion at Juniper Hill Golf Course. He loved Green Hill Park, but played at many challenging golf courses around the country. He graduated from St. John’s High School and until this week he was the second oldest surviving alumnus. John served honorably in the Army in WWII in Europe and Africa. He worked for Lindberg Heat Treating for many years. A big believer in a sound mind in a sound body, John’s first question was often, “So what are you doing for exercise?” John was a devoted husband, wonderful sportsman, and enthusiastic volunteer. He will be missed.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 22. A calling hour at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. in St. Casimir’s Parish, 41 Providence Street. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. For directions and to leave a condolence in John’s on-line guestbook, please click below.