Celestino "Charlie" Eccher

Celestino "Charlie" Eccher, 85, of Sugar Grove, IL, passed away peacefully on March 3rd, 2025. He was born May 5, 1939, in Tregiovo, Italy.
He is survived by his three children, Jim (Peggy) Eccher, Rick (Froso) Eccher, and Marc (Jill) Eccher; six grandchildren, Athena, Charlie, Mac, Braden, Lucas, and Ella; and siblings, Pio Eccher, Vincenzo Eccher, and Costante Eccher. He is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Renata (Flaim); his parents, Luigi and Anna Eccher; and his siblings, Margherita, Ester, Luigi, Eugene, and Alma.
Charlie emigrated from the mountains of Tregiovo, Italy, to New York in 1955. He traveled alone and arrived at Ellis Island at the age of 15 in search of a better life. He was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1962, serving in Alaska as a ski instructor during the heart of the Cold War, before moving to Aurora, IL, where he married the love of his life, Renata, in 1965. Charlie worked for Stephens-Adamson before starting a 25-year career with the Aurora Police Department. Charlie ascended the ranks throughout his distinguished career and retired in 1993 as a Captain.
Charlie was a loving and devoted husband, Dad, and Nonno. He was captivated by his grandchildren. He embraced his Tyrolean heritage and always embodied hard work, family values, and cherished memories. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, especially in Colorado and spent summers in his cabin in Presque Isle, Wisconsin. He loved traveling with Renata in his retirement and regularly visited his grandchildren. He was devoted to his church and believed in being kind to people, caring for everyone, and lending a helping hand to whomever needed one. He embodied hard work, often working a second job to put his children through school. He was fearless and accomplished much through sheer force of will and determination.
Memorial visitation is on Saturday, March 15th, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 8S055 Dugan Rd, Sugar Grove, IL, 60554. A private interment will follow at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery.
Charlie will be dearly missed, and the family asks that in lieu of flowers, you donate through Donate | Dementia Society of America®.