Joseph Eckert

Joseph "Joey" Eckert of East Longmeadow MA, 21, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 4, 2025 at Baystate Medical Center. He was the beloved son of Patrick and Angela (Maruca) Eckert, and brother of Mia and Emily Eckert. Joey was a life long resident of East Longmeadow, where he attended East Longmeadow Public schools. Joseph enjoyed all that life had to offer; from spending days at the beach in Westerly Rhode Island to floating around in his family pool alongside his loyal companion Milo. Everyone knew Joey from his good taste in music. He was actively involved with; Whispering Horse Therapeutic Riding Center, Totally Adaptive, CHD (adaptive sports), and most recently enjoyed spending time with his family at the Springfield Thunderbirds games.
Joeys immediate family prioritized every move they made around him, and he was always the center of their universe. From spending quality time with his family outside enjoying the breeze and the sun. He always was so happy going for his daily walks with his mama.
He will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him for his contiguous laugh and big smile. Joey is survived by his parents, Patrick and Angela, and his sisters Mia and Emily. Maternal grandfather Umberto Maruca of East Longmeadow, paternal grandmother Christiane Eckert of Chicopee. His uncles: Peter and Michael Maruca of East Longmeadow, Umberto and his wife Kara Maruca of Monson, Thomas Maruca and his husband Jonathan Record of Franklin ME; his aunts: Lena and Marisa Maruca of East Longmeadow. His cousins: Kayla Maruca of Alameda CA, Michael and his wife Jay Maruca of Ellington CT, and Dominic, Vincenzo, Santina Maruca of Monson.
Joey was predeceased by his maternal grandmother Linda Maruca, paternal grandfather Bernard Eckert, and his maternal uncle Peppino "Pepe" Maruca.
Joeys family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mark Belemijan and the entire staff of Pediatric Services of Springfield as well as Dr. Elizabeth Thiele, Joeys Epileptologist at MGH for their continuous care through out Josephs life. They also wish to express their gratitude towards Joeys entire special education team throughout the years, his nurses; Amanda and Maggie, teachers, and devoted therapists; Silvana, Kate, Abby, Tony, Rebecca, and Rusty his music therapist at the East Longmeadow High School.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visiting hours on Monday, May 12, 2025 from 4PM-7PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral and Cremation, 220 N. Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 beginning at 8:45AM from Forastiere Smith Funeral and Cremation, followed by a liturgy of Christian Burial at 10AM at St. Michaels Parish, 128 Maple St., East Longmeadow. He will be laid to rest in the Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Tinkham Rd., Springfield.
Memorial contributions may be made in Joeys name to Totally Adaptive and/or Whispering Horse Therapeutic Riding Center 253-257 Hampden Rd., East Longmeadow MA 01028. For more details and to share condolences please visit www.forastiere.com.
Services
Visitation
Monday
May 12, 2025
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Forasitere Smith Funeral Service
Funeral Service
Tuesday
May 13, 2025
8:45 AM
Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation
220 North Main Street
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Funeral Mass
Tuesday
May 13, 2025
10:00 AM
St. Michael's Parish
128 Maple Street
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Cemetery
Gate of Heaven Cemetery
421 Tinkham Road
Springfield, MA 01129