Paul Eckley

Paul Eckley, 86, peacefully passed away on April 14, 2025.

Paul was born on August 5, 1938 in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, and raised in Munhall, Pennsylvania before moving to Cream Ridge, New Jersey in 1963. He resided in Cream Ridge for many years with his loving wife, Gay, their 6 daughters and 2 sons. 

After moving to New Jersey, Paul began his career as a history teacher and later transitioned into special education. He taught at several schools throughout his career, where he also coached football and wrestling, wrestling being his greatest passion. Paul served as the head wrestling coach at Hightstown High School for 21 years and retired from teaching there in 1994. He made a lasting impact on so many young students and athletes. 

From a young age, Paul was a dedicated athlete, excelling in both football and wrestling throughout high school and college. Wrestling, in particular, remained a lifelong passion. He continued to compete in tournaments well into adulthood, with his wife and children proudly cheering him on from the sidelines. His love for the sport left a lasting legacy. Both of his sons, Paul and Peter, followed in his footsteps, starting in PAL wrestling and continuing through their school years, inspired by their father’s example and enthusiasm. That passion didn’t stop with them; many of his grandsons carried on the tradition and spirit of wrestling that began with their grandfather. 

Paul’s gift for teaching extended far beyond the classroom, even taking him overseas, where he enjoyed teaching English in China. But his greatest passion was teaching others about the Gospel. Paul accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior in 1969. As a devoted follower of Christ, he shared the love of Jesus wherever he went, guiding others through Scripture and living out the truths of the Gospel in his everyday life. He had a deep passion and tender heart for ministry, spreading the good news and often pointing others toward God’s grace through his words, actions, and unwavering faith. To know Paul was to witness a life shaped by the teachings of Christ and a deep commitment to loving others well, just as Jesus commanded. He prayed that those he shared his faith with would come to know the life-changing love of Jesus. He longed for others to experience the same grace that gave him peace, purpose, and hope. 

In addition to his work in the classroom and his ministry of faith, Paul filled his life with a variety of meaningful work and hobbies. He took on several part-time jobs over the years, working as a landscaper, driving trucks to the market for local farmers, and trying his hand at many other roles. Always hands-on, he was a Cub Scout leader, ran his own candle-making business out of his home, and practiced leatherworking, bringing care and craftsmanship to everything he did.

Paul prayed daily for his family and friends by name, lifting each one up with genuine love and care. He embraced life’s simple joys like fishing with family, competitive card games, bowling nights, and his favorite treat: popsicles. But what he cherished most was time spent with his beloved wife, Gay, and the generations of family that followed—his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—each one a treasured answer to his prayers. 

In 2022, Paul and Gay moved to South Carolina, where he spent his remaining years with his beloved wife. They enjoyed settling into their new home near their daughter Debbie and her family. One of the greatest blessings of this new chapter was finding South Florence Baptist Church, where they were warmly welcomed into a loving church family. Attending church was Paul’s greatest joy. He cherished every opportunity to worship, connect, and fellowship with everyone he could.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Gay Eckley, his eight children, 22 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Robert “Rock” Eckley, along with many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, and his grandson, Niko Eckley. 

Services will be held 1pm on Wednesday, April 23rd at The Bridge Church, 3752 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to South Florence Baptist Church to support the missions: 2720 South Irby St. Florence, SC, 29505 or you can give at southflorencebaptist.org.