Philip Frederick Eckert Jr.

1946 - 2025

Philip Frederick Eckert, Jr.

June 10, 1946 - July 31, 2025

Philip F. Eckert Jr., 79, of Richmond, Va., passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Richmond, Va.

Phil was born on June 10, 1946, to Philip and Mary Anne Eckert and spent his early childhood in Rhode Island, Panama, England and Germany while his father served in the Navy before settling in Chevy Chase, Md. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Virginia; his daughter, Kathleen (George); granddaughters, Caroline and Penelope; and his sister, Sarah (Kelly). He is predeceased by his brother John.

Phil majored in classics at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating, he served in the Navy as a Junior Lieutenant, and following that received his Juris Doctor at The University of Virginia Law School. Upon graduation, he worked for the Department of Defense at the Defense Supply Center as a Contracts Attorney. He became the Chief Trial Attorney and later Counsel. He retired in 2006 and was inducted into the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation Hall of Fame.

Phil met his wife, Virginia, in Richmond and the two were married on October 18, 1975. He and his wife loved to travel and visited Europe often, attending five wine trips to Italy led by Joe Formica. He also loved to visit his family's vacation home, 'Old Haven' in West Newbury, Vt., and enjoyed summers and falls there in his retirement years.

Phil belonged to St Thomas' Episcopal Church, where he served as Senior Warden and led the Stewardship committee for over 20 years. He taught Sunday School and later volunteered with the Food Pantry each Thursday. Phil also enjoyed tasting wine and was a longtime member and past president of the Richmond Wine Society. He loved opera and classical music, building a well-curated collection of CDs. Phil was a longtime resident of the Ginter Park neighborhood and loved to walk there, especially in the fall.

Phil was blessed to have good friends, Andrew Horne, Tim Rhea, and Lorraine Norton, who helped care for him as he faced the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.

A memorial service will be held at Westminster Canterbury on August 28th at 3 p.m., followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the music program at St Thomas' Episcopal Church or charity of your choice.

Bliley's Funeral Home