Rick was born on December 11, 1952, to the late Fred J. Eckert and Shirley Lee (Schlapprizzi) Eckert.
Born and raised in St. Louis, MO he and his wife Patti retired to Florida in 2016, after working for over 40 years as a manufacturing supervisor for White Rodgers, division of Emerson Electric and Bohn and Dawson.
Anyone that knew Rick, will know the impossible task we face in attempting to summarize the life of such a solid man that was so absolute in the way he approached and handled the things that really matter. Rick was a force to be reckoned with on so many levels. To his family he was a seemingly inexhaustible well of love, wisdom and strength. He was the rock that we all leaned on, the Sage with the advice from experience, our personal mechanic, king of the pool and swim coach, 1st place winner of the Christmas lights decorating contest, # 1 St. Louis Cardinals, and Blues fan and our hero.
To friends and neighbors, he was the guy with the jokes, the helping hand, the guy to call because “Rick will know.” His generous nature and overall outlook on life, combined with his rigid pride, unwavering loyalty, and unquestionable dignity made him the most undeniable presence in our lives, and our most treasured blessing.
Always first a family man, a devoted and committed husband to Patti for 46 years. The shining definition of a father to Shawn and Tracie. The picture-perfect example of a grandfather “PaPa’ to Tori, Dominic and grand dog Cash. Rick was a unique individual with the most piercing blue eyes, happiest smile, and impactful demeanor.
Rick was a brother to many, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, cousin, friend, coach, mentor and all-around great guy.
His unexpected passing has created an unfathomable hole in our lives, but it happened just as he always hoped it would, no pain, no lingering, no nonsense and no regrets.
We are in uncharted waters and the world will be just a bit less bright from here on out.
Your wings were ready but our hearts were not.
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