Michael J. Eckhart

Michael J. Eckhart , 72,  beloved husband, brother, father, "Poppy", servant, leader, mentor and friend, died Thursday afternoon, December 31, 2020, at St. Luke's Hospital, Monroe Campus, Stroudsburg.  He was the husband of Patricia E. (Fischer) Eckhart since July 17, 1971, residing in Jim Thorpe since 1988. Born in the Bronx, NY, he was a son of the late Gustav A. and Mary A. (Albert) Eckhart.

Michael was employed for over 35 years by the US Post Office, Whitehall Twp., as a letter carrier and later supervisor, retiring in 2003.  He was a 1966 graduate of Freeport High School, LI, NY, and later attended New York City Community College, and later still graduated from the Lehigh-Carbon Community College, Schnecksville in 2008, with an Associate in Arts degree.  An active member of Blue Mountain Community Church, Palmerton, he was instrumental in the music program, arts program, Men's Ministry, Sunday School, and especially the Celebrate Recovery Program.  Michael was an avid Beetles Fan, teaching himself to play guitar, and bass, and playing in various bands over the years. He enjoyed playing baseball in college, emulating his beloved Yankees, and later played softball for the post office team and in the church league. He enjoyed the farm life, raising chickens, and caring for his dogs and cats.  Michael enjoyed deer hunting, spending time in the woods, and traveling to experience the US Wild West.  He enjoyed history and spent time  participating in Revolutionary War Reenactments. Above all else, he valued his faith in Jesus Christ, and he loved to spend time with his family – especially his granddaughter, and with his adopted brothers, sisters, sons and daughters in the faith.  He leaves behind a legacy of love and servanthood that will impact generations to come.

Survivors: Wife, Patricia.  Daughter, Janelle M. Eckhart of Jim Thorpe.  Son, The Rev. Clifford M. and wife, Rev. Jennifer K. Eckhart of Lehighton.  Granddaughter, Bella.  Sister, Linda wife of Joseph Ortolano of Chicago.  Brother, Charles and wife Janet Eckhart of HI.  Nieces and nephews.

Services: Memorial Services, 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 16, 2021 Blue Mountain Community Church, 25 Oak Street, Palmerton, PA 18071.  Call, 9:30-11:00 a.m., Saturday in the church.  Services can be live streamed at: www.BMCC.CC . Arrangements, Campton Funeral Home, Palmerton. Online Condolences may be left for the family at: www.schislerfuneralhomes.com .

Contributions: May be made in his memory to Celebrate Recovery Program, in care of the Blue Mountain Community Church.