Christopher John Eckert

On July 16, 2025, Christopher John Eckert took his final breath and entered into heavenly glory.

Chris was born on April 25, 1956, in Easton, Pennsylvania, to Donald and Patricia Eckert. At the age of 13, he moved with his family to Pass-a-grille, Florida. Surrounded by water, Chris quickly developed a deep, lifelong love and passion for the ocean. He became a first-class waterman, skilled in a wide range of marine activities including surfing, sailboarding, kiteboarding, foiling, diving and boating.

Chris began his professional career as a commercial diver on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. He later joined the Florida Department of Transportation, where he worked as a bridge inspector for 35 years. After retiring from the DOT, he continued his career as a Quality Assurance Inspector with Kisinger Campo & Associates.

Chris met the love of his life, Laura McCall, when they were both students at Boca Ciega High School in Gulfport. They married young and shared 48 wonderful years together, raising their two children Jeffrey and Shelley in the coastal town of Ponce Inlet, Florida.

For the past 25 years, Chris split his time between his second home in Costa Rica and Ponce Inlet, Florida, where he cherished time with his three grandsons. Known for his easygoing nature and warm smile, Chris made many friends wherever he went. When asked how he was doing, he was often known to reply, "Better than I deserve."

He is survived by his wife Laura Eckert, son Jeffrey (Lauren), grandsons Jeremiah, Jonathan and Jude, daughter Shelley, brother Peter (Debbie), sister Stephanie Goforth (Del) and brother Andrew (Sondi), and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends and his grand-dog Lucy.

A memorial paddle-out will be held in Chris's honor on August 30, 2025, at 9:00 AM at Winterhaven Park in Ponce Inlet, Florida. Immediately following the paddle-out, a celebration of life will be held at the Ponce Inlet Community Center. Gathering begins at 10 am, service following.

Chris was a devoted supporter of the Harbor Counseling Center, which provides free counseling services to those in need in the greater Daytona Beach area. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Harbor Counseling Center: https://gracelifebeach.com/give