David Lawrence Eckel

David Lawrence Eckel of Walpole, a long-time executive in the mortgage industry, most recently with Rockland Trust, passed away suddenly on Jan. 23 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was 71.

Born in Winchester, MA, on Oct. 28, 1954, Dave grew up in Arlington, eventually graduating from Arlington Catholic High School, where in his senior year, he was co-captain of the hockey team with his life-long friend, Kevin O’Donoghue. After attending the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he played rugby, Dave eventually earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northeastern University. He ultimately pursued a long-time career in the mortgage industry, where he seemed to know everyone and always “knew a guy”.

He was predeceased by his father and mother, Russell and Margaret (Steinkrauss) Eckel, his eldest sister, Diane, and his brother-in-law, Larry Rasky.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jeanne (Gardella) Eckel, and by his son, Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) James Eckel of Fort Drum, NY, and his two hockey-playing grandchildren, Sutton and Coralie, whom he adored.

He also is survived by his siblings, Russell Eckel Jr. (Paula) of Holbrook, MA; Carolyn Rasky of Plymouth, MA; Robert (Cheryl) of South Yarmouth, MA; and Richard (Cathy) of Sudbury, MA.; a gaggle of nieces and nephews, with whom he loved to share a laugh; and by Jeanne’s brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews who (most of the time) enjoyed his sense of humor.

Visiting hours will be Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at James H. Delaney and Son Funeral Home 48 Common Street, Walpole, MA. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Dave’s name to Beth Israel Deaconess Dept. of Neurology Foundation, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215