George Eckman

George Eckman, 97, of Manchester, NH, died June 28, 2016 surrounded by loving family. Born February 21, 1919 at the Elliot Hospital, he was the son of the late Hyman and Rose and the loving husband of Gwendolyn Sandler Eckman, to whom he was married 69 years and who predeceased him two years ago. He was a graduate of Manchester Central High School and the University of New Hampshire with a degree in civil engineering. On graduation from college he worked at the Tennessee Valley Authority, then entered the U.S. Army, serving in World War II in North Africa. After the war he worked at Waumbec Mills as the plant engineer and in 1956 he founded Reeds Ferry Lumber, located in Merrimack NH, which continues to be owned by his family. He was a member of the Manchester Country Club, served as president of New Hampshire Retail Lumbermen’s Association and was involved with numerous other industry, religious and civic organizations.

He was predeceased by his brothers “Alfred” Boris and Leon and also predeceased by his beloved son Harold (Hal). He is survived by his twin sons Laurence (and wife Elizabeth) of Amherst, NH and Gerald (and wife Martha) of Hollis, as well as daughter-in-law Amy of New York City, and grandchildren John (and wife Elise), Joe (and wife Areewan), Ben, Dan (and wife Meggie), Heather (and finance Matthew), Jeff, Jessica (and husband Michael), and also great-grandchildren Andrew, Megan, Noah, Neo, Nyx and Scarlett and many nieces and nephews. George was a role model to his entire family and the community, a supremely loyal man of the highest integrity and the kindest disposition.

Funeral will be at Temple Israel, 66 Salmon St., Manchester, NH at 11:00 am Thursday June 30. Calling hours will be observed that same evening from 7- 9 pm at the home of Liz and Larry Eckman in Amherst, NH. Donations may be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, https://www.macular.org/how-donate.