Richard E. Eckerd

Richard "Dick" Earl Eckerd, age 79, passed away at 11:58 PM on Thursday, May 9, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Born in Bellfonte, PA on April 15th, 1945 to James Wilson and Rilla Sheaffer Eckerd.
He was born with an amazing gift of perfect pitch and was a child prodigy on the piano at the age of 3. Richard graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Delaware and both a Master's and PHD from West Virginia University. He was a member of Mensa International which recognizes those with an IQ in the top 2% across the globe.
Richard began his teaching career with the Indian River School District in 1968, and continued to teach with that district for 30 plus years, then finished his career at Washington High School in Somerset County, Maryland. While teaching, he was the musical director, choir director, and organist for numerous local churches, musical director for several shows produced by the Possum Point Players, former music director for the Miss Delaware Scholarship Pageant, musical director for Southern Delaware Choral Society and co-owner and musical director for Baystar Productions of Rehoboth.
As a former student put it, "He was someone who was looked up to, a force to be reckoned with, yet his warmth and passion were always there. His music touched us all..."
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, Robert A Tonon. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Olga Marjorie Michel of Surabaya, Indonesia; his children Michel Eckerd (Kathy) of North East, Maryland, Dara Eckerd Lewis (Daniel) of Lutherville, MD, Jennifer Eckerd Jerns (David) of Ocean City, MD and Elise Eckerd Dickerson (Taylor) of Dover, DE; his grandchildren Madeline and Sophia Eckerd, Thomas and Nicholas Lewis, Elijah, Maizy, and Harper Jerns, and Linus and Clive Dickerson. He is also survived by his brother James W. Eckerd Jr. of Bethlehem, PA and stepsister Renee Witt of Morgantown, WV.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be made in Richard's name to the Indian River High School Music Department (29772 Armory Rd. Dagsboro, DE 19939).
Visitation will be held at Saint Georges United Methodist Church, 34337 Omar Road, Frankford, DE, 19956 on Friday, May 17, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A service will follow at 1 p.m.