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Edward VanEckert Obituary
Woodbridge - Edward van Eckert, 61, of Menlo Park, NJ unexpectedly passed away on March 24 after a brief illness. He was born in Queens, New York to Elisabeth van Eckert and Bruno van Eckert in 1960. His family lived in Germany briefly, after which they moved to Menlo Park, NJ in 1973. He served actively in the Navy and the Army, and later, the Reserves. Ed graduated St. John's University and Rutgers University. He worked for many years as a creative director in the financial industry and was currently working in insurance. Ed stood out for his great compassion, creativity, intellect and sense of humor. He loved music, design, history, classic cars and engaging in fun and lively conversation with family and friends. He was always ready to help an animal in need. He was predeceased by his mother Elisabeth. He is survived by his wife Maria Victoria Portales, his father Bruno van Eckert and partner Paula Evilsizer, his four stepchildren Nicolas Arriagada and wife Dani and daughter Lilly, Robert Arriagada and partner Sam Mehta, Catalina Arriagada and Lucas Muniz, his sister Helga van Eckert and partner George Carfagno, his sister Jana Manning and husband Daniel Jacobson, his Aunt Maria Laschet, as well as his nephews and their wives, his grand niece and many wonderful cousins in the United States and Germany. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the ASPCA, The Humane Society or the animal rescue of your choice. A celebration of Ed's life will take place on May 15 from 2-6 at the American Legion Post 87 in Woodbridge from 2-6pm with military ceremony at 5:30.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward VanEckert
5 Entries
Martha A. Solarte
May 15, 2021
Ed was a most loving husband to Maria. He was always pleasant and friendly with us. We shared meals, meditations and love for Maria. Him as a husband, I as a friend. You left this world much sooner than expected Ed, but I look forward to joining you in eternal bliss one day. I know of your love to others and Maria from the many stories now shared. I miss not having met you earlier, yet I do treasure those fleeing moments. Enjoy the eternal bliss. God bless those left behind.
Eric Deutchman
April 8, 2021
I met Ed and Maria only a few years ago at a classic car show in Woodbridge and was captured by his genuine trustworthy, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind personality. I was having a hard time with my then classic car insurance agent over too much needless red tape and remembered Ed and Maria. True to his word, Ed assisted me in getting through the red tape and by the time I did, I realized I should be doing business with him, and so I did so. Shortly afterward, my wife and I patronized Ed and Maria for Regular auto as well as health insurance. We enjoyed their company very much at local classic car shows. Linda, Andrew and I are devastated upon hearing of Ed's untimely passing and our hearts go out to Maria and all the family.
We pray that the Lord Bless and Keep Ed and all his family; We pray that the Lord Lift Up His Countenance Upon Ed and his family, Be Gracious to Them, and Show Them Favor; We pray that the Lord Shine His Face upon Ed and his family and Grant Them Peace. Amen
WILLIE PATTERSON
April 3, 2021
He was my neighbor for 18 years. We knew his mother and still know his father Bruno. Ed and I would check on each other every couple of weeks and we always had a good laugh. I am Proud to call him A FRIEND him and Maria were like family. I am heartbroken. My condolences to Maria, his Sisters, and my friend Bruno.
Geri Bolanowski
April 1, 2021
My condolences to Helga and George and the entire Van Eckert family.
Jaynine Warner
March 31, 2021
Thoughts and prayers go out to Ed's family. I remember he embraced the Farmers Insurance Thank a Million Teachers effort and was successful in surprising this teacher with $100k. God Bless.
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