OCEAN CITY —John Carl Deck Jr., 97, died September 26, 2011 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. He was born in Washington D.C. and was married for 66 years to his beloved wife, the late Catherine S. Deck.  

As a young man he apprenticed with an uncle who was an optician. Prior to WWII, he served in the National Guard was trained as a medic. When war was declared, and just as his unit was about to sent overseas, he was detailed to manage the optics lab at the Washington Navy Yard, as he possessed specialized skills in the manufacture of glass optical lenses.

Deck and his family lived in Cheverly from 1939 to 1970. He and his family then moved to Ocean City full time. In the 1970’s, John was part of a group of businessmen who brought ‘Big Band’ dances to the newly constructed Ocean City convention center. He served as a past president of the Ocean City – Berlin Optimist Club. He had a security business and also a courier business that served many Ocean City area banks and businesses.  Deck was a member of Saint John Neumann’s Catholic Church.

He is survived by four children; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and several nieces, nephews and extended family. Deck was a warm man who always saw good in everyone, who therefore leaves an extraordinary number of close friends.

Funeral services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.