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Categories:

Obituaries

Donald B. Eckhart
Byline photo of Eric Harvey
By Eric Harvey, [email protected]
May 29, 2025

Donald B. Eckhart

Donald Eckhart Sr. passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 23, 2025, after a brave and unwavering battle with cancer.

Born on August 10, 1946, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to Paul and Mary (Campbell) Eckhart, Don often said there was no better place to grow up and that he had swum under every bridge in town. He later moved to New York, where he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.

In October 1970, he married the love of his life, Diane (Smith), beginning a 55 year journey filled with devotion, laughter, three children, and a long parade of beloved dogs.

Nothing brought Don more joy than time spent with his grandchildren, whom he adored beyond measure: Kayla, Kristen, Taylor, Rocco, Elizabeth, and Emily.

Don built a respected career at IBM and found happiness on the golf course, and remained a loyal (ever-hopeful) fan of the New York Jets.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; his children, Allison Eckhart (MaryAnn Grieco) of Mount Kisco, Donald Eckhart Jr. (Valerie Eckhart) of Tampa Florida, and Kristin D’Aliso (Ralph D’Aliso) of Fishkill; as well as his cherished grandchildren.

He is also survived by four siblings, Paul Eckhart (Joyce), Sandra Kuzmak (Roman), David Eckhart (Sally), Debra Moyer (Mark).

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About the Contributor
Eric Harvey
Eric Harvey, News Reporter
Eric Harvey has joined the staff of the Peekskill Herald as a full-time reporter covering a general assignment beat that includes the City of Peekskill and The Board of Education. Harvey, 24, of Stamford, C.T. was a politics and crime reporter most recently at the Bronx Riverdale Press where he was the recipient of a New York Press Association Better Newspaper Contest award for a 2023 feature story on the man who co-wrote Martin Luther King’s I Have A Dream speech. A graduate of Champlain College in Vermont, Harvey said he likes working in community journalism because it allows for making a difference. “Peekskill is a beautiful and diverse city with rich story potential,” Harvey said. “I look forward to getting to know the community better and shine a spotlight on your needs and interests.”