Donald R. Eckman Jr.

Obituary of Donald R. Eckman, Jr.

Donald R. Eckman, Jr., age 65, of Boyertown, PA passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

He was born in Norristown, PA on August 16, 1960, the son of Anna Mae (Hutt) Eckman and the late Donald R. Eckman, Sr.

Donnie was a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania. He graduated from Methacton High School in Eagleville in 1979 and had lived in Boyertown since 2020.

Donnie was an active member and supporter of Local 542 of the International Union of Operating Engineers for over 38 years, where he was known as a fierce advocate for workers. His career with Henkels and McCoy spanned 30-plus years, first as an operator and as Lead Engineer since 2005.

In his earlier years, Donnie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his late father; but most especially he loved racing, which was a family affair. Eckman Motors (Mom and Dad) sponsored the cars, Donnie raced them, and Mom and Sis were number one fans cheering him on at every event. He was only eight when he began racing Quarter Midgets, then graduated to ARDC Midgets, then to Sprint Cars, where he could be seen racing Eckman Motors' #57, Gypsy Rose, at Selinsgrove and Williams Grove speedways. He retired from racing in his mid-twenties but remained an avid fan, looking forward every year to the Knoxville Nationals Sprint Car Championship, which he'd attended since 1998. His smile and willingness to help won him many lasting friendships in Iowa among track personnel and vendors.

Donnie was also a dedicated early morning runner, frequently distancing eight miles. On weekends, one might find him watching a NASCAR race. On Memorial weekend, he'd be watching the Indy race, with Jim Nabors' rendition of "Back Home Again in Indiana" always bringing tears to his eyes. In the fall, he might be watching a football game, especially if the Colts were playing. Donnie was a lifelong fan, because its horseshoe logo reminded him of his beloved grandfather, George Hutt, who owned a horse transport business. In the summer, he might pop a Meat Loaf or Celine Dione CD into his pickup and head to Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsville or Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, with a stopover for roller coaster rides at Cedar Point in Sandusky. Back home, we might find him on the roller coasters at Dorney Park, followed up with a bite to eat at Speck's. Or, if he encountered anyone who needed a helping hand along the way, we'd find him assisting with a ready smile and "can do" willingness, and if a loved one seemed sad, we might see him stick pencils up his nose to make her laugh. It always worked.

Donnie is survived by his mother, Anna Mae Eckman of Collegeville, PA; sister, Carol (Richard) DelValle of Vero Beach, FL; his companion Lucy Greenwood of Boyertown, PA and his Iowa friends, Kevin and Sue Lister and Aubrie, Alex, and Aiden Chapman.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Eckman, Sr., and longtime Iowa friend Heather Lister.

His Funeral Service will be held at Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 West Main Street, Trappe, PA 19426 on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation on Wednesday morning from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM.

Interment will take place in Fernwood Cemetery, Royersford, PA, with lunch following.

Arrangements by Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 West Main Street, Trappe, PA, (610) 489-7900 www.msrfh.com