John Gerard Eckstrom passed away peacefully at home on May 26, 2026 at age 98. He was born on

January 5, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, to Victor and Mary Eckstrom.

John proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. After returning home he married

his sweetheart Eileen Marie Gerhart, beginning a loving partnership that lasted 75 years. Their

marriage was built on trust, love, commitment and faith.

Together they lovingly raised their six children in Sayreville, New Jersey. He is survived by his wife

Eileen and their children: Kevin Eckstrom; Georgann Tice and her husband Tim; Nancy Burke and her

husband Peter; Gail Mohary and her husband Steve; Regina Theriault and her husband Edward; and

Michael Eckstrom.

John was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, all of whom brought

him tremendous joy. Family meant everything to John.

For forty-two years John worked as a tool and die maker for Automatic Switch Company in Florham

Park, New Jersey. At age seventy-five John and Eileen moved to “The Mirage” in Barnegat, New Jersey

and made many dear friends. He could often be found golfing, playing cards at the clubhouse and sharing

good times with friends from the community and the Italian and Jewish clubs, despite not being Italian

or Jewish! John and Eileen loved to travel with friends and family and often tested their luck in Atlantic

City.

John was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Barnegat. He was a long

serving member of the Knights of Columbus. He also volunteered at St Vincent DePaul well into his

seventies. He and Eileen recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary with a special blessing

from their beloved pastor Monsignor Ken. All six children were present for the celebration.

John will be remembered as a caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was always ready with

a corny joke, a warm smile, some sound advice and his kindness and generosity touched everyone who

knew him.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date.