Brother Harold William Eccles Cfx

Brother Harold William Eccles, CFX

Louisville - Brother Harold William Eccles, CFX (Brother Bernard), died at Nazareth Home on Monday, March 8, 2021. He was known to all as Brother Harry. Born in Louisville in 1928 to the late George and Christina Wall Eccles.

As a child, Bro. Harry lived in England for several years but then the family moved back to Louisville. He is a graduate of St. Xavier High School, entered the Xaverian Brothers in 1945, and was a Xaverian for 76 years. At the time of Bro. Harry's death, he was the oldest and longest serving Xaverian Brother.

Following college education (a BA from Catholic University), Bro. Harry taught in different Xaverian schools from 1950 through 1979. From 1963 to 1966 he taught at St. Xavier HS. Also, during his teaching years Bro. Harry completed the requirements for a MA from New York University.

1979 marked the beginning of a significant change of ministry when Bro. Harry accepted the Director's position on behalf of the Richmond Diocese at its Volunteer Ministries Community in Blackstone, VA. Ten years later came the most significant change when Bro. Harry began ministry in Haiti where he remained until health issues required him to come to live at Ryken House, the Louisville Xaverian retirement home. Eventual further declining health required him to move to Nazareth Home in July 2019.

Besides his parents, preceding him in death were his brothers, John, Gerald and George and his sisters, Mary and Sister Frances, SCN. He is survived by three nephews, one niece and their families.

Bro. Harry will be buried in the Xaverian cemetery at St. Xavier HS following private funeral services. May he rest in peace. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Xaverian Brothers at Ryken House, 1607 Poplar Level Road, Louisville, KY. 40217. Ratterman and Sons on Bardstown Road is entrusted with Bro. Harry's arrangements, and online condolences may be shared at www.ratterman.com.