Plan for the Future
Leo J Eckmann of Springfield, NJ, passed away peacefully on April 7 at the age of 93. The son of Fred W and Mary C Eckmann, he was born in Elizabeth and grew up in Westfield, attending the Holy Trinity Schools. He joined the US Army, was selected for Officer Candidate School, and became platoon officer for guided missile crews at bases in the Southwestern US. After his Army service, he returned to New Jersey and began his studies at Newark College of Engineering, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He was Municipal Engineer for several towns in New Jersey and was with the Asphalt Institute for many years before retiring.
Along the way, he met and married Corinne Willoughby of Westfield. They settled in Springfield, where they raised their family. They explored the US with their camping trailer, giving their children a broad view of their country. Later, they were enthusiastic world travelers. Leo and Cor were active in local square-dancing clubs for over 50 years.
In his youth, Leo was active in the Sea Scouts. He owned a small sailboat for many years, enjoying it at Spruce Run Reservoir and especially in the bay behind Long Beach Island.
Leo is survived by his five children, their spouses; Stephen and Susan Eckmann of Lebanon, NJ, Patricia and Kenneth Stevens of Bethel, CT, Kathleen and Albert Pichieri of Jefferson, NJ, Ann and Ted Mori of Carson City, NV, Peter Eckman and Nafisa Fera of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Eight grandchildren, Thomas, Christopher, Katherine, Allison, Julia, Daphne, Penelope, and Zoe, and a number of nieces and nephews who will miss him greatly.
