Edward L. Ecker

Edward L. Ecker, 82, of Sugarloaf Twp. passed away Thursday in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton, surrounded by his family.

Ed was born in Hazleton, the son of the late Edward D. and Jennie (Ferrari) Ecker. He was a graduate of MMI Preparatory School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from Pennsylvania State University. He went on to earn master's degrees from Bowling Green State University, Ohio, and from the University of Scranton, and furthered his studies at Lehigh University.

He began his career in education as a chemistry teacher at West Hazleton High School and transitioned to administration as vice principal of West Hazleton High School. He was then named principal of D.A. Harman Junior High School and later retired as principal of Hazleton Junior High School. He continued his passion for education by teaching chemistry at Luzerne County Community College.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed decades of hunting with his English Setters and many years of golf with the "dawn patrol" at Sugarloaf Golf Club. In addition, he was a longtime member of the Service Electric bowling team. Ed was a very capable handyman to family and friends. He always had the knowledge for every project and, of course, the proper tool … and a spare.

As a cancer survivor, he counseled many cancer patients from around the country, sharing his own experiences. He was also a former board member of United Charities, Inc. of Hazleton/United Children's Home, and a member of the West Hazleton Improvement Club.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, the former Lois Kurdziel; son, Edward C. (Tammy) Ecker, Allison Park; daughter, Sandy (Steven) Reilly, Southington, Conn.; grandchildren Patrick R. and Edward D. Ecker, both of Arlington, Va.; Erin, Julia, and Jack Reilly, Southington, Conn.; and sister-in-law, Sylvia (Robert) Stripling, Gainesville, Fla.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joshua Nochumson and the hospital staff of Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton for their compassionate care. In addition, the family also extends its appreciation to Robert Ecker for all of his support.

A memorial service will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday evening from Krapf & Hughes Funeral Home and Crematory, 530 W. Butler Drive, Drums. The Rev. Ric Polmounter of St. John Bosco Roman Catholic Church will preside.

A private burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Drums.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation period that will be held from 6 p.m. until the time of service Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society Greater Hazleton Unit, 132 S. Wyoming St., Hazleton, PA 18201, or to United Charities Children's Home, 107 W. Madison Ave., West Hazleton, PA 18202.

Condolence messages may be entered in the family's memorial guest book on the funeral home website at www.khfuneralhomes.com.