Joseph C. Ecker

Joseph C. Ecker, 78 of Mt. Carmel
Son of Charles and Helen (Kaminski) Ecker passed away July 13th with his family at his bedside. Joe graduated from Carmel Catholic High School in Mt. Carmel in 1960 and was a 1966 graduate of Philadelphia Textile (now Thomas Jefferson University). In 1970 he married the love of his life Florence Kealy. The couple recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on May 16th. He worked most of his professional career in the garment industry. Starting at age 17 as a bundle boy he progressed to plant manager. Joe worked at Lutfy’s, Mount Carmel Fashions, H.L. Miller, and Cressona Knit. At the peak of his career with Rio Blouse, he managed a staff of 800. Prior to his retirement he was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Joe was a devoted supporter and former President of the CYO. Joe coached basketball for over 30 years, first at St. Peter’s, and then at Holy Spirit. The pride he had for his teams was not based on trophies won but rather that the players’ skills had shown improvement by the end of the season. Joe never allowed his competitive spirit to overshadow his love of sportsmanship and fair play. Joe was an accomplished golfer having won the Miller Open three consecutive times, Rolling Meadows Club Championship twice, the Italian Open, and the Mid-Atlantic Manufacturer’s Association Championship. A skilled card shark Joe loved playing Pinochle, Poker, and Black Jack. Joe loved imparting those skills on his grandchildren. Joe was a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan. Joe was fortunate enough to attend both nights of Game 5 of the 2008 World Series with his beloved brother and son. Joe was a voracious reader of the classics, history, poetry, and contemporary literature. Joe was an entertaining raconteur who seamlessly quoted Shakespeare, Kipling, Casey Stengel, and Jimmy Breslin. Joe loved supporting his children and grandchildren in their athletic endeavors. Joe will be terribly missed but lovingly remembered as a selfless and generous son, husband, father, Nonno, brother, cousin, and friend. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by aunts, uncles, and his cousin Richie Kaminski. In addition to wife Florence, he is survived by a daughter Maggie Ecker Harmon and husband Tom of Shamokin, a son C.J. Ecker and wife Jill of Marion Heights, three grandchildren Roenick Harmon, Kealy Harmon, and Meara Harmon of Shamokin, a brother Matthew Ecker of Shillington, two aunts and many cousins. A Salud Pop, until we meet again.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday June 17, 2021 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church with the Rev. Francis J. Karwacki , Pastor officiating. Interment will follow at All Saints cemetery Ralpho Township. A viewing will be held Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at the Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home 40 South Market Street Mt. Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz, III Supervisor. The Family will provide flowers. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church 47 South Market Street Mt. Carmel, Pa. 17851, The Mount Carmel Public Library 30 South Oak St. Mt. Carmel, Pa. 17851 and Saint Jude’s.