Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Eckman Obituary
AGE: 70 • Kennett Square, PA
Dr. Joseph Frederick Eckman, Sr., age 70, of Kennett Square, PA left his earthly body behind on November 29, 2013 and moved on to eternal life with his Savior in Heaven, just five months after his diagnosis of melanoma. He was the husband of Ellen Ann (Latta) Eckman, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage. Joe was born in Coatesville, PA, the youngest son of the late Elwood M. and Daisy Weber Eckman. Joe attended Penn State from 1961 to 1964 and graduated from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 1968. Commissioned by the U.S. Navy, Lieutenant Colonel Eckman served his country at Cubi Point Naval Air Station in the Philippines from 1968 to 1970 during the Vietnam War. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve Dental Corps until 1979.
Joe and Ellen Ann returned from the Philippines in 1970 and opened his first dental office in their home in Kennett Square. In 1984, he moved his office to Willowdale, where he practiced dentistry until recently. In 2006, he and his son, Dr. Joe Eckman, Jr., opened a second office in Jennersville. His niece, two nephews, and their sons also followed him into the dental profession.
Dr. Joe and Ellen Ann have two children: a daughter, Kathy Ann (Eckman) Joseph and a son, Dr. Joseph Eckman, Jr. Kathy Ann and her husband Greg recently moved to Kennett Square from North East, MD with their three children, Karalyn, Nathan, and Katelyn. Joe Eckman, Jr. and his wife Elizabeth live in Cochranville with their three children, Daisy, Tucker and Lucy. Joe's brother, Lester W. Eckman (Carol Sensenig: deceased 2005) and wife, Linda, live in North East, MD. His brother Walter M. Eckman and wife JoAnne live in Kennett Square. Joe has many nieces, nephews and cousins who have been an integral part of his life.
Joe was a dedicated friend and mentor to an ever-growing network of people who stretched far and wide. He was known for being honest and forthright about his moral, political, educational, and religious beliefs. He was genuinely concerned for everyone who came into his life. Many people have called him their "best friend" or "role model." Dr. Joe was a "one-of-a-kind philanthropist and humanitarian" who spent countless hours giving of his time, talents, and resources.
Joe loved sailing. For him it was a means of drawing closer to and spending quality time with family and good friends. From his childhood days on the North East River to more recent journeys to Florida on his catamaran, Twin Ship, he was always inviting others to join him on his adventures. Basketball was another hobby, and watching and playing sports enabled him to connect with and reach out to others. Joe also loved music. In addition to serenading his dental patients and encouraging young people to develop their musical talents, he sponsored musical events to enrich the community.
In 1990, Joe purchased Sandy Hill Camp and Retreat Center on the Chesapeake Bay in North East, MD. Thanks to his foundational vision and hard work, Sandy Hill has continued to grow under the management of his daughter and son-in-law since 1995. Today, it provides a fun and inspirational camp experience to over 3,000 kids each summer and hosts retreats for many school, church, and community groups each fall and spring.
Dr. Joe was always giving back to his community. A true "family" dentist, he was always available to meet the needs of his dental patients. He made his office a welcoming place for Spanish-speaking patients decades ago, when the need first began to arise in the community. He was instrumental in bringing Young Life, a Christian outreach ministry for high school students, to Chester County in 1972 and served as a volunteer leader. He directed many young people into their career paths and closely followed their successes. In 1974, he and several other men began weekly prayer breakfast meetings around Chester County which continue today.
Over the years, Joe has continued to share his time and resources with countless charitable organizations locally and globally. These include RZIM (Ravi Zacharias International Ministries), FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), CCGM (County Correctional Gospel Mission), Willowdale Chapel, The Garage in both Kennett and West Grove, Wellspring International, Pastor Willie Pinder in Haiti, Young Life, EPPC (Ethics and Public Policy Center), Faith in Action, Key Life Network, Heritage Foundation, Canine Partners for Life, The Seeing Eye, Tree Tops Rescue, Plumpton Park Zoo, Wounded Warriors, Chester County Pops, Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester, and many others. Joe and his family have established the Eckman Family Foundation to facilitate their continued support of these many wonderful ministries.
You are invited to greet Dr. Joe's family and friends at Willowdale Chapel on either Wednesday, December 11 or Friday, December 13 between 5 PM and 8 PM. The family is creating a book of memories, and would welcome your contribution of a written memory, photo, or sentiment either on paper or at www.griecocares.com. A memorial service will be held at Willowdale Chapel on Saturday, December 14 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Union Hill Cemetery. Willowdale Chapel is located at 675 Unionville Road (Rts. 926 and 82), Kennett Square, PA 19348. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eckman Family Foundation, 55 Walls Drive, 3rd Floor, Fairfield, CT 06824 or directly to any of the charities mentioned above. Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (610-444-4116) of Kennett Square. To view Dr. Joe's online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.grieco cares.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Eckman
Kathleen Howley
December 3, 2013
My sincere sympathy to the Eckman family. He will be missed. I will keep him and the family in my prayers as they move forward and adjust to life without him physically here but will always remain in spirit with us.
MARILYN AND jERRY kRIM
December 10, 2013
A great loss. Shared his time and talents with so many worthy organizations. He will be missed by his many patients. Marilyn and Jerry Krim.
Gary Bossert
December 8, 2013
Dr. Eckman was a good and generous man. He was a supportive role model to young men like me growing up in Kennett Square. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.
david lee
December 9, 2013
Dr.Joe Eckman - a good kind caring man who was our family dentist for the 10 plus years we've lived in the area after coming over from England. We've seen how Dr Joe cares for his staff and people who live in the community. When we went to Japan to work for 3 years, we continued coming back to Dr Joe. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. This community has lost a good man who has served his country and cared deeply for his family and community in so many ways.
David and Saw Choo Lee, Patients, West Chester PA, Dec 9, 2013
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Pat & Betty Ross
December 7, 2013
Dear Dr. Joe, I always looked forward to seeing you when I was at Sandy Hill Camp. You always had something new and interesting to show me and I enjoyed the times that we worked along side each other. I know your family and friends will miss you deeply as I will. I am comforted in knowing that you are now with God in Heaven - Home.
Dee Rivera
December 5, 2013
"My Thoughts and prayers go to the entire family". Sail on my Dr. Joe... I will always miss you! Love u (POPS)...
Ricky and Michelle Tuel
December 6, 2013
We are so sad to hear of Dr. Joe's passing. God bless Ellen Ann and the children and grandchildren. Our dental appointments just won't be the same. We sure do miss you Dr. Joe. You always made us laugh! Ricky, Michelle, Joey and Jack Tuel
Lew and Rosemary Kinsey
December 7, 2013
Dear Ellen Ann. Kathy Ann, Joe, Jr., and your sweet grandchildren :
Lew and I were so shocked to hear of Joe's passing on to be with Jesus. May you be comforted to remember that you definitely will see and be with him again. What a great loss to you all and the community. He has now heard: "well done good and faithful servant." May our wonderful God comfort your broken hearts.
LtCol. Hank Detering, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired)
December 5, 2013
Thank you for offering me the honor of speaking on Veterans' Day at Joe's final tribute to our community.
Sherry Miller
December 4, 2013
Our family will miss Dr. Joe very much. We have been going to his office for the past 25 plus years. We always felt something special at his office and spread the words to many others. Even when we moved out of the area we continued the long drive to see him several times each year. He always made us feel special and would entertain us with music trivia and theological conversation while working on our teeth. Words can't express how much he will be missed and our heart goes out to you and your family. We are holding all of you up in our prayers. God bless each of you.
December 13, 2013
I only had the pleasure of going to Dr. Joe a few times. I started going to Dr. joe's son young Dr. Joe because his office closer to my home. Young Dr. Joe is a great guy and I know he will surely miss his wonderful, kind and very personable dad. I was very shocked to hear the bad news. May you Rest in Peace Dr. Joe. Linda
Don and Debbie Asplen
December 11, 2013
Although Dr. Joe is now in the Kingdom of God, he lives on in the hearts of those he inspired. His legacy will remain and continue through all the generations. We will miss him.
With deepest sympathy,
Kevin Konitzer
December 11, 2013
In the mid-1970's, I was in elementary school and needed an emergency root canal on the weekend. Dr. Joe brought me in, worked by himself, and saved the day. It's thirty-five plus years later, and I'm still a patient. Nowadays, we would talk politics and public policy. What a character....with great insight!
Anna Basciani
December 10, 2013
Dear Joe,
I've been a patient of yours for over 40 years. Going to the dentist always made me nervous, but whenever I got there you always made me feel at ease with your jokes. Whenever I needed you, you always came and met me in your office even if it was a Saturday or Sunday. I will miss you terribly.
With Love,
Anna Basciani
Vince & Pat Lawn
December 10, 2013
Eckman & Office Family,
We are sorry for your great loss. We loved Dr. Joe's insights on politics, his humor, sense of fun and more because of his Christian values. We will see him again! God love you all.
James & Rita Smyth
December 10, 2013
Dear Ellen, Dr. Joe Jr., and Family,
Dr. Joe was a wonderful person with a delightful personality. We will miss seeing him around. May God Bless you
all through your time of sorrow and
always.
James & Rita Smyth
Jeanne Baker Pizii
December 10, 2013
Dear Ellen Ann...It has been many years since we have seen each other...your Husband's obituary shared the life of a wonderful man ....please accept my sincere sympathy....thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Michael Cromartie
December 8, 2013
Dear Ellen Ann and family- you know how much we loved Joe. We will miss him greatly. And please know of our love and prayers for you at this time. Mike and Jenny Cromartie
Mike & Dot Bontrager
December 7, 2013
Ellen Ann and Family,
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Joe's life positively impacted so many people and organizations that not only will he live on in eternity but his impact will be felt here on earth for many decades to come. We are honored that we were privileged to know such a great man.
Velva Greene-Rainey
December 6, 2013
It was a pleasure knowing Dr. Eckman, and sharing his gift with the Lincoln University Students through our Health Services Office. Your Legacy will Live on here!
The Bupp's
December 5, 2013
So sadden by the lose of Dr. Joe. We will miss him. Gone but not forgotten.
Linda Riddle Lane
December 5, 2013
Dear Ellen Ann and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Anna Wolf
December 5, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
December 5, 2013
During This sad time, please lean on the “God of All Comfort” 2nd Cor. 1: 3-4.
Glenn Brown
December 4, 2013
Joe was a CLASS ACT all the way
Francine Lee
December 4, 2013
Ellen Ann and family, I was saddened by the news of Dr. Eckman's passing. My prayers are with you and the family. He did great things and will be greatly missed.
Evelyn Soto-Sanchez
December 4, 2013
Blessed are we that the Lord shared one of his sons with us. God bless and peace be with the family.
Steve Leauby
December 4, 2013
Ellen Ann, Kathy Ann, Greg and Lester,
My prayers are with all of you during this time of mourning. It was my pleasure to know all of you and to work with you through the camp ministry at Sandy Hill. As you know, Tri-Pres Camp had its early origins at Sandy Hill under Morning Cheer Ministries and the Palmer Family, and continued for several years after Dr. Joe purchased the property. His commitment to God and to using his rescources to serve God and his community were a blessing to many. As a director of Tri-Pres Camp, I was blessed by that commitment. Many children and their families were blessed by that desire and commitment. The work that you continue will continue that legacy. May God comfort you and truely bless you during the holiday season and beyond. May God bless you and keep you, may the Lord turn his face towards you and give you his peace.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Eckman's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Eckman
People and places connected with Joseph
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Eckman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
