Gary David Eckrich died peacefully with family on Feb. 12, 2024. He was 64.
Gary was born on Christmas Day, 1959. In high school, he and his state champion gymnastics team were among the first U.S. students to visit and compete in China after it opened to the west in 1978. Gary was also an EMT and director of operations for Darien Emergency Medical Services-Post 53 while still a teen.
Gary attended Georgetown University and graduated with honors from Fairfield University. He pursued his passions for art, history, and theatre throughout his life.
Above all, Gary embraced life and love. Yet he also suffered from several illnesses which made life increasingly challenging. Gary drew wisdom and strength from these struggles, and in turn helped others.
Like his father, Gary loved meeting new people and rarely forgot a name or face. He laughed and smiled easily and exuded warmth, playfulness, and a genuine desire to see the beauty in others. His deep compassion and warm smile remain his legacy to family and friends.
Gary was the brother of five sisters: Karen (Tyler), Jennifer (Shannon), Kim, (Oster), Teresa (Sommer), and Maureen (Eckrich). He is survived by his adoring mother, Jeanne (Eckrich), his five sisters, 11 nieces and nephews, four grandnieces and grandnephews and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2024 at St. John Roman Catholic Church in Darien. A reception will follow.
If you are inclined, please consider a donation in Gary’s honor to the National Alliance on Mental Illness or Darien’s Post 53. For directions or online guestbook.
— an obituary from Magner Funeral Home, where online condolences may be left