Eckhard, Willard Michael "Willie"

Willard entered into eternal life Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2022. He was the son of Willard J. Eckhard, Brooklyn, NY and Mary Patricia, Katonah, NY.

Will served honorably and with distinction in the Vietnam War. Will found everlasting love with his beloved Debbie Dakin Eckhard on November 1, 1969, who later succumbed to a lengthy battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his youngest son, Joseph M. Eckhard in January 2018. He is survived by his son Garrett W. Eckhard (and wife Deidre), The Villages, FL. and niece Tonya Dakin Dalbo (husband Thomas and daughter Ivy); Poughkeepsie, NY; grandchildren Lucas Eckhard, Hannah Eckhard, Trent Eckhard, Joseph Jr. Eckhard and Isabella Eckhard, step grandson Jacob Justice, Hyde Park, NY, brother George (wife Theresa), sister Ruth (and loving husband), sister Gayle Howard, step brother in law Stephen Dakin, several nieces and nephews.

Willie was known by many for his kindness and generosity. After his years in the Army, he worked in the Plumbers and Steam Fitters union contracted to IBM and later in the school systems in New York and Idaho earning the nickname "Uncle Willie" by all the children he came in contact with during his adventure. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and riding his ATV in the mountains. His passion in life was his wife Debbie, sons Gary, Joey and niece Tonya. He relished receiving pictures of the kids as they grew and letters and calls from friends and family.

Will was cremated and will be laid to rest with his wife Debbie and son Joey in a family memorial service.