Eckler, Richard J.

Richard J. Eckler (“Eck, Business Man, Mayor”) of Canton passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family March 16, 2022. He was 74 years old. Son of Frank Eckler and Mary (Mazur) Eckler of Boston. He was the brother of the late Frank P. Eckler of Canton.

Richie was raised in and was a lifelong resident of Canton. He attended Don Bosco Technical High School in Boston, and upon graduation in 1966, he joined the United States Air Force, serving honorably in the Vietnam War.

Following his service, Rich returned home and became a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 4 Boston, where he worked for 28 years as an elevator mechanic. He graduated from the Franklin Institute with an associate’s degree in electrical engineering, and after retiring from the IUEC he served as a state elevator inspector. Later in his working career Richie also worked with Helmets to Hardhats as a regional field representative, advocating for veterans employed across all the building and construction trades.

His love of the Canton community is evident in his years as a coach, volunteer, and member of the Playground and Recreation Commission and Reservoir Pond Committee. A longtime member of Wampatuck Country Club, he was an avid golfer, athlete, and sports fan who loved to support the local teams. He enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren, spending time with family, annual trips to Aruba, playing his daily numbers, and hours spent storytelling and laughing with his buddies over coffee, always giving his best advice. He will be missed by so many.

Richard is survived by his wife, Pamela J (Plant) Eckler, son Christopher J. Eckler, daughter Kara E. (Eckler) Labanara and her husband, John, all of Canton, and his sister Christine Sheridan of Newry, ME. Papa is also survived by grandchildren Ashlyn and Emma Eckler and Kendall, Kellen and Keira Labanara. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richie’s memory to the Canton Veterans Services Department, 660 Washington St., Canton, MA 02021. A celebration of Richie’s life will be held at the Canton Town Club on Sunday from 12-4 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment private. To sign guestbook, see dockrayandthomasfuneralhome.com.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Mar 24 2022. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.