Ralph Howard Eckler

Merritt Island

Ralph Howard Eckler, 74, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2016 in the presence of his loving family.

Ralph was born in Rock Island, Illinois to the loving parents of Leslie and Velma Eckler. Ralph had a love for Corvettes and turned his passion of fabricating Corvette parts and accessories into the successful and world-known Eckler Industries. He was later inducted into the Bloomington Gold Corvette Hall of Fame. Ralph was also extremely passionate about fishing. One of his most notable moments was winning the Bahamas Billfish Championship in Treasure Cay, Abaco, Bahamas, by landing the 1030 pound Blue Marlin and held the record for many years. He also loved to "crank it up" for NASCAR on Sunday's.

Ralph was the most generous and loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will live forever in our hearts. He is survived by his son, Steven Howard Eckler of Merritt Island, FL, his three daughters, Susan (Steven) Eckler-Faulconer of Titusville, FL, Nicole Eckler of Las Vegas, NV, and Corinne "Cori-yVette" Eckler of New York, NY, his three granddaughters, Ashley (Kyle) Eckler Wilms of Orlando, FL, Megan Eckler of Orlando, FL, and Cassidey Faulconer of Titusville, FL, his brother, Robert (Sherry) Eckler of Titusville, FL, and his very dear friends Ron and Michele Mohr.

A celebration of life will take place at Sunset Cafe (500 W Cocoa Beach Cswy, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931) on Thursday, April 28, from 2:00-4:00pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by FloridaToday on Apr. 26, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Eckler

Sponsored by Brevard Memorial Funeral Home & Park.

21 Entries

Maureen Wright

October 6, 2020

I often think of Ecklers in the early days when Ecklers was Ralph’s company. He was a good man who cared about his family, his company, his customers and his employees. I remember specific things he did for his employees that I will never forget. Many of the customers and vendors from those early days have brought up a memory of Ralph now and then to me and that makes me happy that people have not forgot Ralph Eckler. You have even made a difference in people’s lives that never met you and may not even know that it was because of you that they have had opportunities because of you. Thank you Ralph and bless you.

Kenny Miller

July 29, 2016

Peace, Prayers and Blessings.

Gene Palladino

July 25, 2016

Thank you for turning your passion for Corvette and then passing it on to us who love Corvette and supplying us with much needed parts. And I do know there were more things in your life that made you who you were. You are missed and we pray for you and your family as they go through this time in life. Thanks again for what you have completed for us. Gene Palladino,

K. West

May 11, 2016

Susan and Steve. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to your family. I went to high school with Steve and Susan both. I will be praying for you family.
Kathreen West

April 28, 2016

Susan Turner

April 28, 2016

Fly high with the butterflies. You will be missed, but your legacy will live on through your family and those lives you have touched

April 28, 2016

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that the true God is near to those pain is his heart and who are crushed in spirit he saves. Psalms 29:11

Jeannie

April 27, 2016

Ralph, thank you for all the fun times! I only wish I could have visited you one more time..Missing you!

Ilene Davis

April 26, 2016

a story I have shared with many clients is something Ralph said many years ago: that if he had realized how hard it was to start a business he might never have tried. I know many Corvette owners who are glad he didn't realize that when he started.

Cozette Alley

April 26, 2016

I've worked at Ecklers for over twenty years and owe a lot to Ralph and his vision as a young man to become an icon in the automotive industry. Thank you Ralph. May you rest in peace.

Myron Johnson

April 26, 2016

I knew Ralph as a friend growing up in Moline and Rock Island, Il. I Was able to visit him at the Titusville location a couple of different times over the years. At a younger time in our lives he was a great friend. My prayers go out to his family.

Rondy Jethro

April 26, 2016

Your father will be missed by many. I enjoyed my work history with the corvette industry my prayers are with you.

April 26, 2016

Ralph Howard
Missing you

April 26, 2016

My Dearest Ralph Howard,
Thank you for the blessing of our two daughters
I cherish our times together,
glad we were able to spend some time together at the end.
Forever in my heart
Love always. MK

Mike & Shannon Karr

April 26, 2016

Ralph was a wonderful man who enjoyed sharing his passion with his Corvette Family. He will be greatly missed. RIP.

Mike & Shannon Karr

April 26, 2016

Ralph was a wonderful man who enjoyed sharing his passion with his Corvette Family. He will be greatly missed. RIP.

Tom Henry

April 25, 2016

This is the Great Man that made it possible for me and family to move to Florida. We shared many good times around the country and to come and work with him was a pleasure. Our prayers to Susie and family.

Pamela Smith

April 25, 2016

Sending my prayers to the Eckler family I had the honor of working at Ecklers Corvette for 33 years.

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