Obituary of Robert E. Eckler

ECKLER , ROBERT E. Age 91 of Horseheads , NY passed away on Friday January 16 , 2015 after a brief illness. Robert was born May 4 , 1923 in Rochester , NY the son of the late Earl Lewis Eckler and Leona Chapman Eckler . He was a Veteran of World War II serving his country with The U. S. Marine Corps. Bob married his wife , Geraldine Helsing Eckler , on May 3 , 1947 and had celebrated 62 years of marriage when Geraldine passed away on December 9 , 2009. Mr. Eckler was also pre-deceased by his brother William N. Eckler on December 5 , 2014 and by his sister and brother-in-law Joanne Eckler Lynch and John "Chunky" Lynch and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Charles and Eleanor Helsing . Bob was a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Horseheads , Horseheads Elks Lodge # 2297 , and Bentley-Trumble American Legion Post # 422 of Horseheads , NY. Bob retired as Sales Manager from New York Telephone Company in Elmira , NY . Bob and his wife Geraldine were volunteers at The Arnot Ogden Medical Center for several years. He also volunteered at Meals On Wheels , The Elmira-Corning Air Show and for many other organizations. Bob was a former member of The Board of Directors for RSVP . Bob loved his family and friends and treasured the time he spent with them. Mr. Eckler is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law : Thomas & Kathleen Eckler of Pittsford , NY and Stephen & Mary Lou Eckler of Horseheads , NY ; grandchildren : Mary & Daryl Mastracci , Jennifer & Greg Powell , Matt Eckler , T.R. Eckler , and Megan Eckler ; great grandchildren: Emma Mastracci and Nora Powell : sister-in-law : Shirley Harvey Eckler of Horseheads , NY ; several nieces , nephews , cousins , and a host of caring friends and special friend Peg Jensen . Bob's Family will receive friends on Saturday January 24 , 2015 from 10 – 11 AM at The First Presbyterian Church of Horseheads 2943 Westinghouse Road Horseheads , NY . A Memorial Service celebrating Bob's Life will follow calling hours at 11 AM with the Rev. Jonathan B. Knight will officiating . Bob will be laid to rest with his wife Geraldine in Maple Grove Cemetery in Horseheads , NY at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers , the family would appreciate memorial contributions in Bob's memory to The Arnot Ogden Medical Center Foundation for Volunteer Services 600 Roe Avenue Elmira , NY 14905 . Arrangements are entrusted to the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS, NY.