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: 03/11/2023
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