Obituary for Richard Eckels
Richard Franklin Eckels, 73, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2022, at his home in Altoona, surrounded by his loving family.
Born September 5, 1949, in Altoona; he was a son of the late Gerald and Mary (Moorehead) Eckels. He married Maggie, his loving wife, on May 7, 1971.
Rich is survived by his wife of 51 years, Margaret Jo “Maggie” (Muscatelli) Eckels of Altoona; two daughters, Jenny Hileman (TJay), and Kristin Eckels; three grandchildren, Hunter, Chase and Luke Hileman; two brothers, Joseph Eckels and David Eckels (Linda). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Susan Vipond; brother in laws Jerry Vipond and Michael Muscatelli and sister-in-law Jane Eckels.
In 1967, he graduated from Altoona High School and later that year he proudly began his service to our country, enlisting in the United States Navy.
After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Richard was employed by PennDOT, retiring as a Highway Foreman. Some of his hobbies included working out, running, lifting weights and playing darts. But what he cherished the most was spending time and making memories with his family, especially his grandsons and his many friends who he bonded with throughout his life.
He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Altoona.
Family and friends will be received for a time of remembrance from 1-3pm on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at The Good Funeral Home, 108 Alto Reste Park, Altoona, PA 16601. Inurnment will take place at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rich's memory to the Central PA Humane Society, 1837 E Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105
Born September 5, 1949, in Altoona; he was a son of the late Gerald and Mary (Moorehead) Eckels. He married Maggie, his loving wife, on May 7, 1971.
Rich is survived by his wife of 51 years, Margaret Jo “Maggie” (Muscatelli) Eckels of Altoona; two daughters, Jenny Hileman (TJay), and Kristin Eckels; three grandchildren, Hunter, Chase and Luke Hileman; two brothers, Joseph Eckels and David Eckels (Linda). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Susan Vipond; brother in laws Jerry Vipond and Michael Muscatelli and sister-in-law Jane Eckels.
In 1967, he graduated from Altoona High School and later that year he proudly began his service to our country, enlisting in the United States Navy.
After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Richard was employed by PennDOT, retiring as a Highway Foreman. Some of his hobbies included working out, running, lifting weights and playing darts. But what he cherished the most was spending time and making memories with his family, especially his grandsons and his many friends who he bonded with throughout his life.
He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Altoona.
Family and friends will be received for a time of remembrance from 1-3pm on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at The Good Funeral Home, 108 Alto Reste Park, Altoona, PA 16601. Inurnment will take place at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rich's memory to the Central PA Humane Society, 1837 E Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105