Mr. Wallace C Eichelberg

Commander Wallace “Wally” C. Eichelberg USN Ret. (79), passed away peacefully at the VA Victory House in Walterboro, SC on August 29, 2021. Wally waged a long courageous battle with vascular dementia. Cdr. Eichelberg was born on May 30, 1942, to Oscar and Virginia Eichelberg in Britton, South Dakota. After completing his freshman year at MIT, he joined the Navy serving 26.5 years. While serving he completed a BS degree in Healthcare Administration from Georgetown University.

He served on the USS Midway (CVA-41) as a hospital corpsman at the beginning of the Vietnam War until the fall of Saigon then as a Medical Administrative Officer. After multiple assignments at sea, he served as Deputy Comptroller at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD and finally as System Analyst for the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington, DC. During his years of service, he received numerous personal US medals and decorations including a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal while “seeing the world”.

Commander Eichelberg enjoyed in many foreign ports of call during his time at sea. Throughout his life he lived in Fredrick, SD; Oakland, CA; New York, NY; Corpus Christi, TX; Millington, TN; Bethesda, MD; Derwood, MD; and Bluffton, SC.

A man of many interests, he enjoyed singing (Barbershop Quartet, St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church Choir, Hilton Head Corral Society, Sun City Chorus), family genealogy, any card game, and reading. He was also active in the Springhill Homeowner Association.

Never one to mince words, Wally had a style all his own and a generous heart. He was a devout Catholic. with a quick wit and a beautiful tenor voice. He possessed a life-long quest for learning especially about history. Above all else, he loved his wife Jane and all his family.

Commander Eichelberg is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jane Passarello Eichelberg of Bluffton, SC. His Brothers, Russell Eichelberg of Omaha, NE and Randall Eichelberg (Teri) of Yankton, SD. His nephews Ryan Eichelberg Vermillion, SD, Mason Eichelberg (Breanna) of Brandon, SD, and Devin Eichelberg of Yankton, SD and niece Natalie Eichelberg Chick (Trevor) of Lakeville, MN. His father-in-law Charles Passarello of Hanahan, SC. His in-laws: Carolyn ‘Berta’ Fetzer (Carl) of Vero Beach, FL; Pamela Kammerer (George) of North Charleston, SC; Tony Passarello (Jean) of Sandy Springs, GA and Mike Passarello (Ruth) of Summerville, SC. His Nephews Michael Passarello (Kelly) of Tomball, TX; Drew Passarello of Beaufort, SC; Nick Passarello (Emily) of Decatur, GA; Matthew Passarello of Cabbage Town, GA; Chris Fultz of Charleston, SC; Sean Kammerer of North Charleston, SC and nieces Brenda Glidden (Alvin) of West Wardsboro, VT; Lindsey Biggins (Chris) of Park Ridge, IL; Elena Passarello-Turkel (David) of Corvallis, OR; and 5 grandnieces and 7 grandnephews. He was preceded by his parents, Oscar and Virginia Eichelberg and his mother-in-law, Carolyn Passarello of Charleston, SC.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm on Friday, September 3rd at Carolina Memorial Park, 7113 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will follow immediately in the chapel at 12:00 pm with interment after the ceremony. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the nurses and staff of the VA Victory House and Patriot Hospice, Walterboro, SC, for their compassionate care.

Fond memories and expression of sympathy may be shared and viewed at www.CarolinaMemorial.com