Joseph L. Echternach

Joseph L. Echternach Easton, Md. - Joseph L. Echternach of Easton died at his home on Friday May 9, 2008. He was 80. Born on September 5, 1927, in Lancaster, Pa., he was the son of the late Harry and Bessie Lennox Echternach. After attending school in Strasburg, Pa., he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he was assigned to the Naval Air Station at Pensacola, Fla. Following his release from active duty, he returned to Pennsylvania. In 1948, he married the former Bertha Leaman in Lancaster; they made their home in Lebanon, Pa., for several years, and then to Lancaster, where he was employed as a watchmaker for the Hamilton Watch Co. Later, he began a career with a food vending company. In 1971, he and his family moved to Easton. After several buy outs and name changes, the company was known as Service America. At the time of his retirement, Mr. Echternach was district general manager of Del-Mar-VA. His memberships include B.P.O. Elks Lodge 1622 of Easton, American Legion Post 70 of Easton; he was a former member of the Rotary Club in Lebanon, Pa., and also involved with the Boy Scouts. In addition to his beloved wife "Bert," Mr. Echternach is survived by four children, Joseph L. Echternach Jr. of Fresno, Calif., Dennis M. "Mike" Echternach and his wife Brenda of Lebanon, Pa., Pamela M. Welch and her husband Ken of Easton, Md., and Sean E. Echternach and his wife Sally of Preston, Md.; one sister, Freda Wimer of Quarryville, Pa.; 18 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Scott Echternach. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at 3 p.m. at the Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P. A., Easton, Md., where friends may call from 2 to 3 p.m. Burial will be private. Donations may be made to Talbot Hospice Foundation, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601. www.fhnfuneralhome.com