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Gary Eckrich Obituary
Gary David Eckrich, who died peacefully with family on February 12, 2024, was born on Christmas Day 1959 and the brother of five sisters, Karen (Tyler), Jennifer (Shannon), Kim, (Oster), Teresa (Sommer), and Maureen (Eckrich). He is survived by his adoring mother Jeanne (Eckrich), his 5 sisters, 11 nieces and nephews, 4 grandnieces and grandnephews, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.
In high school, Gary and his State Champion gymnastics team were among the first U.S. students to visit and compete in China after it opened to the west in 1978. Gary was also an EMT and Director of Operations for Darien, CT's Post 53 Emergency Medical Services while still a teen. Gary attended Georgetown University and graduated with honors from Fairfield University, and pursued his passions for art, history, and theatre throughout his life.
Above all, Gary embraced life and love. Yet he also suffered from several illnesses which made life increasingly challenging. Gary drew wisdom and strength from these struggles, and in turn helped others. Like his father, Gary loved meeting new people and rarely forgot a name or face. He laughed and smiled easily and exuded warmth, playfulness, and a genuine desire to see the beauty in others. His deep compassion and warm smile remain his legacy to family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at St. John Church in Darien, CT on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 10 a.m. Reception to follow.
If you are inclined, please consider a donation in Gary's honor to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/Donate-to-NAMI or Darien's Post 53, https://post53.org/donate/. For directions or online guestbook, please visit: www.Magnerfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Eckrich
Sponsored by Magner Funeral Home, Inc. - Norwalk.
4 Entries
Dolores Tucker
February 15, 2025
Gary was like a son to me, lived in my home in Lee, MA & we shared love of music with the late musician Tom Gizzi among so many other experiences. I will miss his pleasantries & conversations & wit. Blessings dearest Gary.
Dale L Tucker
June 10, 2024
My dear dear friend Gary! How saddened to learn today of your passing back in February! So many precious and remarkable memories of you; all filled with the deepest of love and gratitude for the indelible imprint you've left in my heart!
My dear Mom and I have always and will always consider you a part of our family! God Bless you dearest Gary!
Barbara Imp
March 6, 2024
So sorry to hear of Gary´s death. My condolences to the family and friends. I was one of his neighbors.
Holly Murray LeMeur
February 22, 2024
I knew Gary thought out my years in Darien. We walked home from Tokeneke Elementary School together and Gary was part of my life right up to our DHS 1978 graduation.
Gary was a wonderful friend and I will cherish those memories.
My sincere sympathy to all of his family. He is now at peace in Our Fathers loving care!
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