John Eckert Obituary
John G. Eckert of Tamaqua, PA passed away Saturday, March 1 st at the age of 74. He leaves
behind an only son, Christopher and daughter-in-law Ashley. Though surviving immediate family
members are in short supply, John was loved by many including friends and extended family.
Many of whom came to visit him in his final days. Born in Coaldale, Pa the son of John R.
Eckert (d.2006) and Mary M. (Petrash) Eckert (d.1979), and brother of Kenneth F. Eckert
(d.2021). He married his only wife Donna Warsing in 1976 (div. 1986). They remained friends
and has been a cherished member of the Warsing family ever since.
He's resided in Tamaqua, PA since 1979. John was a graduate of Kutztown University in 1972.
John was involved with the steel industry most of his adult working life. He started as
steelworker for Bethlehem Steel out of college. Later shift gears to work as a steel estimator for
various firms. Then returned to Bethlehem Steel until it's closing. He went back to school to get
his Drafting degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College where he shared a graduation year
(2000) with his son (High School). With his drafting degree he took a position designing cell
phone towers. But his love for steel was strong and returned to steel estimating until his
retirement in 2013.
John expressed a deep of love for his country and was proud to be able to cast his last vote in
the 2024 election. He believed in the Constitution and the was a staunch believer in the First,
and most importantly, Second Amendment rights. An avid hunter, and shooter, John taught the
importance of gun safety and awareness to his son, and his son's half-brother's David and
Patrick, and to all who would listen at various shooting ranges. He believed the best way to
prevent accidents and violence, was proper education and respect for the firearm.
John was also an avid movie watcher. A love he shared with his son. A love passed along to his
young son attending movies on their Wednesday night visits. Each movie comes with a special
memory of where and when they saw it together. Memories that will forever be cherished at the
sound of a John Williams score, the laughs (or tears) shared from anything of Robin Williams, to
quirky comedies like Grumpy Old Men.
John found a deep love Celtic music later in life. You would find him at the Celtic Classic in
Bethlehem every September listening to his favorite Irish rock bands.
We're going to miss John deeply. His heart was big and genuine. We mourn his absence but
celebrate his new adventure. We pray for him and hope to see him in the next life with his
beloved dog Sandy at his side.
A graveside service will take place at 11:30 am on March 8, 2025 at Sky-View Memorial Park 108 Lafayette Ave, Tamaqua, PA 18252. To leave online condolences, please visit his "Book of Memories" at falkfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, we ask a donations may be made to "St. Lukes Hospice" 801 Ostrum St. Bethlehem, PA 18015 Attention: Development Department. Their love and generosity were second to none, in the care of John in his final days.
Published by WFMZ-TV 69 News on Mar. 6, 2025.