ECKERT FREDERICK J

COL Frederick J. Eckert was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 12/23/2009 at the age of 65.1
Pittsburgh, PA
Flight Classes 68-28 and 68-12
Date of Birth 11/15/1944
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with A/377 ART 101 ABN in 68-69
Call sign in Vietnam GUNNER 00
This information was provided by Richard Green, SSN search Sep 2010

More detail on this person: Frederick J. Eckert Frederick J. Eckert, of Bonita Springs, Fla., active duty U.S. Army helicopter pilot for three years, including a tour of duty in Vietnam, and national sales manager for Citibank's student loan business prior to his retirement, passed away December 23, 2009. Born November 15, 1944 in Summit, N.J., Fred was graduated by St. Peter's Prep and completed a post-graduate year at Worcester Academy where he played football for an undefeated squad. Fred went on to attend Rutgers University where he earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural business and played quarterback for the Scarlet Knights. After graduation, he volunteered for the Army and entered flight school, earning both a Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. Fred continued his service in the New York State National Guard for 22 years, retiring as a full colonel. Fred spent the next 35 years working mainly in the student loan business as a sales manager for Citibank and PNC and retired in 2005, moving from Rochester to Bonita Springs with his wife Mary, where he pursued his passion for fly fishing year round. Fred spent countless hours tying flies and was a proud and active member of the Sanibel Fly Tying Club. Further, his passion for the outdoors and deep respect for the environment led him to volunteer work at Delnor Wiggins State Park where he was a member of the board. Fred is survived by his wife, Mary, who he married March 14, 1970; two children, Mike and his wife Heather, Matt and his wife Carrie, and their two sons, beloved grandchildren Colin and Bennett; brother, Dr. Thomas Eckert; and sisters Kathleen and Maryanne. A memorial Mass was held Tuesday, December 29, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church. Fred will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America; or Joanne's House at Hope Hospice, Bonita Springs. Fred and his family would like to thank Dr. Eduardo Parra-Davila, Dr. James O'Mailia, Dr. Mark Rubin, and the staff of Joanne's House at Hope Hospice for all of their care and support.

Published in MPNnow on December 30, 2009

Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 04/13/2025