Joseph C. Ecker

Joseph C. Ecker, 78, of Mount Carmel, son of Charles and Helen (Kaminski) Ecker, passed away July 13 with his family at his bedside.

Joe graduated from Mount Carmel Catholic High School in 1960 and was a 1966 graduate of Philadelphia Textile (now Thomas Jefferson University).

In 1970, he married the love of his life, Florence Kealy. The couple recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on May 16.

He worked most of his professional career in the garment industry. Starting at age 17 as a bundle boy, he progressed to plant manager. Joe worked at Lutfy's, Mount Carmel Fashions, H.L. Miller and Cressona Knit. At the peak of his career with Rio Blouse, he managed a staff of 800. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Joe was a devoted supporter and former president of the CYO. Joe coached basketball for over 30 years, first at St. Peter's, and then at Holy Spirit. The pride he had for his teams was not based on trophies won but rather that the players' skills had shown improvement by the end of the season. Joe never allowed his competitive spirit to overshadow his love of sportsmanship and fair play. Joe was an accomplished golfer, having won the Miller Open three consecutive times, Rolling Meadows Club Championship twice, the Italian Open and Mid-Atlantic Manufacturer's Association Championship. A skilled card shark, Joe loved playing pinochle, poker and black jack. Joe loved imparting those skills on his grandchildren. Joe was a diehard Philadelphia sports fan. Joe was fortunate enough to attend both nights of game five of the 2008 World Series with his beloved brother and son. Joe was a voracious reader of the classics, history, poetry and contemporary literature. Joe was an entertaining raconteur who seamlessly quoted Shakespeare, Kipling, Casey Stengel and Jimmy Breslin. Joe loved supporting his children and grandchildren in their athletic endeavors. Joe will be terribly missed but lovingly remembered as a selfless and generous son, husband, father, Nonno, brother, cousin and friend.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by aunts, uncles and his cousin, Richie Kaminski.

In addition to wife, Florence, he is survived by a daughter, Maggie Ecker Harmon and husband, Tom, of Shamokin; a son, C.J. Ecker and wife, Jill, of Marion Heights; three grandchildren, Roenick Harmon, Kealy Harmon and Meara Harmon, of Shamokin; a brother, Matthew Ecker, of Shillington; two aunts and cousins. A Salud Pop, until we meet again.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 17, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church with the Rev. Francis J. Karwacki, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, Ralpho Township. A viewing will be held from 6 until 9 p.m. Friday and from 9 until 10:15 a.m. Saturday at Joseph J. Stutz Inc. Funeral Home, 40 S. Market St., Mount Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz III, supervisor. The family will provide flowers. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 47 S. Market St., Mount Carmel, PA 17851, Mount Carmel Public Library, 30 S. Oak St., Mount Carmel, PA 17851, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.