Obituary of Walter W. Eckel

Walter W. Eckel Jr. of South Hackensack, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at the age of 79. Prior to retiring, Walter held a leadership role at Honeywell Corporation in Teterboro for many years. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, from 1964 – 1966. Walter was elected as a Township Committee Member for the Township of South Hackensack in 1994; and later was appointed the position of Mayor in 1995, 2005, 2011 and 2015. Walter was a volunteer fireman for the Township of South Hackensack, where he joined the department in 1970 and retired in 2015. He was also a former trustee to the Board of Education for Memorial School, and a member of the Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Adjustment. He also held the position of Emergency Management Coordinator for 7 years (1986 – 1993). He was a member of the South Hackensack Seniors Club, a member of the VFW Post #8005 of South Hackensack and a parishioner of Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Hackensack. Beloved husband of Maryann R. (nee DeMeo) and the late Carolann (nee Gadino, 2002). Loving father of Mark Eckel and his wife Laura, and Todd Eckel. Step-father to Lori Moran and her husband Albert, Lisa Casamenti and her husband Chip and Lynn Hansen and her husband Kevin. Cherished grandfather of Julieann, Markus, and Viktor Eckel. Step-grandfather to Ryan Ashley, Alexa, Tyler , Tanner, Brody and Trey. Dearest brother of Valerie Smith. Walter is also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 - 9:00 PM for visitation. The Funeral will begin on Friday October 14, 2022, at 9:45 AM from the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 49 Vreeland Avenue, Hackensack at 11:00 AM. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Walter's memory to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , PO Box 1000 , Dept 142 , Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or Church of the Immaculate Conception, 49 Vreeland Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601.