Larry Paul Eckman, 77, of 218 E. Spruce Street, New Holland, PA 17557, died peacefully Saturday March 30th at his daughter’s home after a brief illness.
Larry was born at Lancaster General Hospital to the late Benjamin Franklin and Martha Pauline (Afflebach) Eckman, and proud that he spent his life in Lancaster County. Raised in Millersville borough, he attended The Millersville University Lab School with other town children.
Larry was active in scouting starting as a Cub Scout and continued as both an Explorer and scout leader. At about 18 years of age, Larry left scouting and developed an interest in flying. He joined the civil air patrol operated out of F&M College and found himself on his first solo flight on 7/7/77.
After graduating from Millersville University with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education, Larry taught at the Solanco School District from 1964 to 1972 while also working part-time at Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO). He ultimately went full-time at PECO where he spent the remainder of his career until his very early retirement in 1994. During his time at PECO, he managed community relations efforts during construction and operations of the Limerick generating station. During 1980, Larry had the opportunity to be Director of Information at the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland Power Pool (PJM). Larry particularly remembers his short time at PJM working with the engineers on a high-tech project (high-tech for the time he muses). After an enjoyable career, Larry felt fortunate he had the opportunity to retire young, allowing him time with his daughter and then young grandchildren videotaping the memories as the kids grew. He also spent time with his buddies at the New Holland American Legion Conestoga Post # 662.
As an original unit owner at the Sea Watch Condominium Complex, established during 1975 in Ocean City, MD, Larry spent much of his time at the shore overlooking the ocean from his 15 th story balcony. He enjoyed many years of family time at the shore, attending local events, some of his favorite restaurants and long beach walks.
His last few years were incredibly happy times as he found love, again, with Doris Fick, also residing in New Holland. They spent time at the Sea Watch, traveling and cooking together. During his final weeks, she was always by his side.
Larry loved to spend time with his family. He is survived by his daughter Heidi Lynne (Eckman) Colosi, his sister Delma Lynne (Eckman) Wessner, his 5 grown grandchildren, Joshua Paul Moyer, Justin Patrick Moyer, Marco Benjamin Colosi, Marissa Danielle Colosi and Alexis Nicole Colosi, seven nieces and nephews, and the “son he never had”, Marco Colosi, husband to Heidi.
He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Gerald (Jerry) R. Eckman and Bruce E. Eckman and a sister, Kay (Eckman) Binkley.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Larry P. Eckman to Hospice and Community Care of Lancaster. Either call (717) 295-3900 or access online at: www.hospiceconnect.org/give
Cremation Services of Lancaster (717) 273-6283