Name: Visitation for Walter W. "Bill" Eck Jr.
Start: 2021-03-24T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-03-24T19:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Thomas the Apostle Church

Eck, Walter W. "Bill" Jr. SLINGERLANDS Walter W. "Bill" Eck Jr., 61, passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021. Bill was born in Albany on June 29, 1959, the son of the late Walter W. Eck Sr. and Annette "Cookie" Eck. He had been employed at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in Niskayuna for 35 years as a current fire protection engineer and a past captain of the organization's Firematic unit. Bill lived for his family and helping others. He had a warm, giving heart and a way of making people feel special. Bill was never without a treat to pass out to everyone he came by. He truly exemplified his motto, "deeds not words." Bill dedicated his life to fire service. He was a devoted member of the Slingerlands Fire Department for 44 years - serving as the past chief, current president, and current chairman of the Slingerlands Fire District Board of Commissioners. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the FASNY Firemen's Home and the current second vice president of the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association (HVVFA). He was past president of the Royal Order of the Blue Vests, past president of the Hudson Mohawk VFA, past president of the Night Hawks, and past president of the Albany County VFA. He was the current chairman of the Albany County Advisory Board and the current secretary of the Albany County VFA Burn Fund. Bill was a 9/11 first responder, something his family was immensely proud of. Bill is survived by his children, Walter W. "Will" Eck III (Kimberly), Clifford Eck (Leanna), Zachary Eck (Marian), and Sarah Marie Pricolo (Anthony); brothers, David Eck and Michael Eck (Lillie); sister, Margaret Eck-Raider (Tom); ten grandchildren, whom he lovingly referred to as "Poppy's Posse," Natalie Rose, Raegan Marie, Violet Claire, Annabelle Kate, Tucker Avery, Magnolia Moon, Josephine Mackenzie, Tallulah Wilde, Scarlett Reign and Birdie Mae; aunt, Audrey Butler; many loving cousins, nieces and nephews; and the mother of his children, Kathleen Eck. The family would especially like to thank the Fresenius Dialysis Care of Westmere and the AMC E.R. staff for the care and compassion shown to Bill. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, March 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Place, Delmar. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 25, in the church. Face coverings will be required, and social distancing and occupancy limits will be observed. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont. The family requests that flowers not be sent. Instead, those who wish may send a remembrance in his name to the Slingerlands Fire Department Benevolent Fund or the FASNY Firemen's Home, 125 Harry Howard Ave., Hudson, NY, 12534 Attn: Activities Director. applebeefuneralhome.com

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Published by Albany Times Union from Mar. 21 to Mar. 23, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Eck

14 Entries

Stephen Coyne

March 25, 2021

I am extremely sad to learn of the passing of Walter. He was a good friend of mine in Grammar School. Even as a kid I was keenly aware of Walter´s kindness and good nature. Rest In Peace my friend.

Tony Calvagno

March 25, 2021

To the entire family, especially Zack and Kathleen who I know, please know that my heart reached out to you. The loss of a family member is so hard to deal with. Words can´t really ease the pain, only time. Focus on the good memories, the fun times, and reach out to God for comfort.
Your friend, Tony

Timothy Gergich

March 25, 2021

I was so sad to hear of Bill's passing. He was one of the kindest people I've ever known. Heartfelt condolences to his family and the Slingerlands Fire Department family for which he served so selflessly and well for so many years. There's a soft rain falling in my heart this morning.

Alexandra

March 24, 2021

So sorry to hear of Bill passing. I was his dialysis nurse when he did it at home. I have seen him a few times at Guilderland fire house events with my family. He was a great guy. He pulled into my driveway a year after he went back to in center dialysis when he saw me outside. Always happy to visit with you. I was shocked and sad to see his name on all three firehouses in Guilderland as I drove home today. Peace and love to him and his family.

David Loucks

March 24, 2021

My heart is broken. Bill and I met in high school and quickly became the very best of friends. Bill was the kindest of souls and I am so honored to have been able to call him my friend. My deepest heartfelt condolences to the entire Eck family. Rest in heavenly peace, Bill.

Doug Pologa

March 24, 2021

He will be missed by all who knew him. He truly was a bright light always, what a very good person. He will undoubtedly be missed. His reserved place above is now occupied...he is resting in peace.

Dan & Patty Peters

March 23, 2021

Deepest sympathy to the entire Eck family. Bill was a great leader for his family, community and the fire service.
He will be missed.

Jim Longley

March 23, 2021

My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the extended Eck family.

Memories of breakfast at Charlie's on Sunday morning, Cookie trundling all the kids into the firehouse to run the radio, Christmas parties at the Eck home. So many.

Jackie Conlen

March 22, 2021

One of the Good ones returned home.
How he will be Missed , We would alway Joke about how he is one tough Bird,While with a gleam in his eye handed peanut butter cups to me and talked about his Grandkids
"My Candy Man" Sorry for your loss.

Jackie Conlen

Geraldine Nabozny

March 22, 2021

Zak,
I was so, so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved father. Please accept my since condolences sympathies.

Michael A Phillips

March 21, 2021

Bill was the best. When I first qualified as a Service Equipment Operator I was responsible for the whole site when something happened and I was all alone to respond to an emergency. When I got there, Bill was always there within a couple of minutes ( and they say he never drove his desk anywhere). That´s when I fell in love with Bill and would do anything for him, or his family, if needed. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Bill. I never felt like I was alone. R.I.P . Willie was the Best....Miss and love ya. Until we meet again.....

Butch Pricolo

March 21, 2021

I met Bill about 30 years ago, long before our son met and married his beautiful daughter. I knew that day that I had a friend for life. Bill was the most caring person I have ever met. You will be missed greatly. Luckily we share 4 beautiful granddaughters that will always keep you in our hearts. RIP

Scott & Kelly Welton

March 21, 2021

There was no limit to Bill´s willing to help someone. What a legend! I will miss his friendly hello´s while we are in the yard next door and of course his stories. His generosity and friendliness is a perfect model for this world. We are thankful that our paths crossed.

Eric Muscanell

March 21, 2021

To the Eck family: Words fail to express my sorrow for your loss. Bill was a great man and his legacy and impact he has had on the fire service and on people will live on forever. I will miss our conversations at work talking about our families, the fire service, and life in general. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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