William Steck

Vern William Steck (Feb. 18, 1934 in Powell, Wyo – April 13, 2013) was an American violinist. He was encouraged almost from birth to pursue music: His father was a violinist who had returned to his family’s farm during the Depression, and his mother held a variety of jobs to finance their only child’s musical education.

At times, the parents were forced to choose between buying their son new toys and taking him to concerts by such violinists as Jascha Heifetz and Yehudi Menuhin.

The family settled in Philadelphia, where Steck studied at the Curtis Institute of Music. He graduated from the Philadelphia Musical Academy in 1952 and received a master’s degree in music from the University of Texas at Austin in 1957.

In addition to his work with the NSO, Mr. Steck gave violin lessons from his home in Alexandria for 30 years until shortly before his death. He played in a number of recordings, including several by the NSO.

His first marriage, to Dixie Grace Steck, ended in divorce. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Ann Pinney Steck of Alexandria; three children from his first marriage, William S. Steck of San Jose, Costa Rica, Allegra Steck of Staunton, Va., and Randall Steck of Alexandria; and three grandchildren.