Paul Eckel Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Paul began his career in Detroit working in the finance department at General Motors. He then moved to East Aurora, joining Moog Inc as Treasurer. The real fun began for Paul when he and his business partner, Charles Balbach, purchased Science Kit, a small Tonawanda business that provided science supplies to schools. Paul enjoyed growing the company to serve students of all grades and across science disciplines.
In retirement, Paul and Joyce settled in Sarasota, FL, where he honed his skills as a trophy-winning tarpon fisherman and took up sailing. When not fishing and boating in Florida, he and Joyce enjoyed skiing in Snowmass, CO, and he reluctantly hung up his skis at age 85. They spent summers at Crescent Beach in Fort Erie, Canada, bringing family together to enjoy water sports, raising chickens, and hosting the annual Crescent Beach Sandcastle Contest.
In addition to these pursuits, Paul turned his focus to philanthropy via a foundation he and Joyce created, providing financial support for medical research, the arts, and community projects in the US and abroad. He and Joyce also helped to fund college educations for their granddaughters, nieces, nephews, and many others.
Besides Joyce, Paul is survived by two generations of women: two daughters--Charlotte (Michael) Blaney and Nancy (John) Boulden--and five granddaughters--Megan (Aaron) Littlejohn, Cristin Blaney, Katy (Vismer Diaz) Falletta, Ellie Falletta, and Charley (Edward Lowe) Falletta. He is also survived by four great grandchildren--Arlo Diaz-Falletta, Brooks Littlejohn, Charley Lowe, and Mateo Diaz-Falletta-and his brother, David Eckel.
At this time there is no memorial service planned.
Following Paul's spirit of giving, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity or a gift to a student's college fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
40 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236
Make a Donation
in Paul Eckel's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
People and places connected with Paul
Recent Obituaries
How to support Paul's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Paul Eckel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
