Frederick Earl "Fritz" Eckert

1946 - 2022

Frederick Earl 'Fritz' Eckert
January 16, 1946 - March 10, 2022
Henrico, North Carolina - The world is a smaller place since Fritz's passing. He was born and raised in East Liverpool, Ohio, to Rebecca Rachel Murphy and Grandon Earl Eckert. Immediately after receiving his Bachelor's at Syracuse University, he entered in the US Army, serving in Intelligence in Germany. Upon discharge, he enrolled at Kent State where he met Sally. She and Fritz had each returned to Ohio with the death of their parent. Within six weeks they married and, six months later, their parents also fell in love and married one another. Fritz and Sally lived in the Hudson Valley, working with people with special needs at various facilities. They later moved to Wilson, then Raleigh (Wake Public Schools), then Lake Gaston.
Fritz was bright, thoughtful, polite, curious, and a kind husband, father, son and friend. And such an autodidact! Sally was privileged to spend two thirds of her life with him; they shared their love of exploring the world, reading, history, movies, cooking (which he took to a stellar level) and all the common events from 1974 onward. We will miss his extraordinary eye and his ability to capture astounding photographic images. His witticisms were legendary. Upon learning of his cancer diagnosis two weeks ago, he quipped, "At least I won't have to suffer through another season with the Browns."
Survivors include Sally, daughters Laura (Arno) de Kreij of Singapore, Rachael (Jake) Eckert Smith of Wake Forest, and son, David (Erin) Eckert of Raleigh. He delighted in his seven grandchildren: Stella and Oscar de Kreij, Sydney, Parker and Gavin Smith, and Levi and Scarlet Eckert.
Fritz always cherished human rights; memorial donations to Southern Poverty Law Center (www.splcenter.org) or Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina (www.foodbankcenc.org) are welcome.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be shared at CremationSocietyNC.com.