Obituary of Walter W. Eck, Jr.

Walter W. "Bill" Eck Jr., 61, passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021. Bill was born in Albany on June 29, 1959, the son of the late Walter W. Eck Sr. and Annette "Cookie" Eck. He had been employed at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in Niskayuna for 35 years as a current Fire Protection Engineer and a past Captain of the organization's Firematic unit.

Bill lived for his family and helping others. He had a warm, giving heart and a way of making people feel special. Bill was never without a treat to pass out to everyone he came by. He truly exemplified his motto, “deeds not words.”

Bill dedicated his life to fire service. He was a devoted member of the Slingerlands Fire Department for 44 years—serving as the past chief, current president, and current chairman of the Slingerlands Fire District Board of Commissioners. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the FASNY Firemen’s Home and the current 2nd vice president of the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association (HVVFA). He was past president of the Royal Order of the Blue Vests, past president of the Hudson Mohawk VFA, past president of the Night Hawks, and past president of the Albany County VFA. He was the current chairman of the Albany County Advisory Board and the current secretary of the Albany County VFA Burn Fund. Bill was a 9/11 first responder, something his family was immensely proud of.

Bill is survived by his children, Walter W. "Will" Eck III (Kimberly), Clifford Eck (Leanna), Zachary Eck (Marian), and Sarah Marie Pricolo (Anthony); brothers, David Eck and Michael Eck (Lillie); sister, Margaret Eck-Raider (Tom); ten grandchildren (whom he lovingly referred to as “Poppy’s Posse”), Natalie Rose, Raegan Marie, Violet Claire, Annabelle Kate, Tucker Avery, Magnolia Moon, Josephine Mackenzie, Tallulah Wilde, Scarlett Reign and Birdie Mae; aunt, Audrey Butler; many loving cousins, nieces and nephews; and the mother of his children, Kathleen Eck.

The family would especially like to thank the Fresenius Dialysis Care of Westmere and the AMC ER Staff for the care and compassion shown to Bill.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, March 24 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Place, Delmar. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 9:30 am Thursday, March 25 at the Church. Face coverings will be required and social distancing and occupancy limits will be observed. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.

The family requests that flowers not be sent. Instead, those who wish may send a remembrance in his name to the Slingerlands Fire Department Benevolent Fund or the FASNY Firemen’s Home, 125 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson, NY 12534 Attn: Activities Director.