Walter "Deacon" Stanky

Walter "Deacon" "Deac" "Duke" Stanky
born Walter Joseph Stankiewicz, Jr.


Born:
February 24, 1911
Erie, PA

Died:
March 17, 1978
Erie, PA 

Career
1932-33 Ritz Pennsylvanians (Independent)
1932-33 Union City - Pennsylvania (Independent)
1933-34 Warren HyVis Oil (Independent)
1934-35 Erie General Electrics (Independent)
1935-36 Warren HyVis Oil (Independent)
1935-36 Buffalo Bisons (MBC)
1936-37 Warren Penns (MBC)
1937-38 Warren Penns (NBL)
1938-39 Elmira Colonels (NY-Penn League)
1938-39 Warren Penns/Cleveland White Horses (NBL)
1939-40 Detroit Eagles (NBL)
1939-40 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1940-41 Erie Forge and Steel - Pennsylvania (Industrial)
1945-46 Erie Moose (semi-pro)
1946-47 Corry Vets (Independent)
1947-48 Corry Vets (Independent)
1948-49 Warren Bulldogs (Independent)
1948-49 Erie Moose (Independent)


His name is spelled "Stankey" in most sources, but it appears "Stanky" is the actual spelling. "

What I knew: Walter "Deacon" Stanky played for Buffalo Bisons semi-pro team before joining Warren. After two seasons with the Penns, He played in Detroit and Oshkosh.
What I found out: Newspaper articles from Warren proclaimed the 200 pound athlete was from Erie, Pennsylvania. In March of 1960, Stanky attended a reunion of Warren-area semi-pro players.
Knowing the Erie connection, I found this burial record, which is the right location and age. I am 99% certain this is him.

Was married to Lydia Stanky (1911-1964)



Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/s/stankwa01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=stankde01