William David Eckman

William (Bill) David Eckman passed away on July 1, 2026, in Lancaster, Ohio, at age 82. William was born on October 28, 1943, in Wilmington, Delaware, to Samuel and Marguerite Backo Eckman. He graduated from Hutchinson Technical High School in Buffalo, New York; from Alfred University with a degree in Ceramic Engineering; and received a Master of Business Administration from Ohio

University. William dedicated his successful career to the glass industry, with tenures at Anchor Hocking, Sylvania, General Electric and Thomson Consumer Electronics. He was known for his hard work and commitment to quality. William’s love for the glass industry was evident when he co-founded the Ohio Glass Museum in Lancaster, Ohio, where he served for many years as director, docent, and supporter.

He married Nancy Haus on September 23, 1967. As Bill’s career progressed, they moved their beloved sons, Mark and Brian, from New Hampshire to Pennsylvania and, ultimately, to Ohio. Bill found joy in

coaching his sons’ Little League teams. Nancy preceded Bill in death in 1995.

Bill married Valerie Brunton, whom he dearly loved, on October 17, 1998. Bill and Valerie shared many adventures, including leading teams to compete in the National Marbles Tournament in Wildwood, New

Jersey, multiple times. Bill and Valerie loved to travel together, and Bill especially enjoyed supporting Valerie’s bowling team as they competed in tournaments across the country.

William is survived by his wife of 27 years, Valerie; by his children Mark (Denise) Eckman of Rocky River, Ohio; and Brian (Tara) Eckman of Jasper, Indiana; by his beloved grandchildren Jack (Claire), Adam,

Bethany, Erin, Abram, Leo, and Wesley; by his brothers David (Carol) Eckman, and Robert (Kathy) Eckman; sister-in-law Donna Eckman, and by numerous nieces and nephews. William was preceded into

eternity by his parents, Samuel and Marguerite, sister Margaret, brother Samuel, first wife Nancy, sister-in-law Marie, nephew John, and brother Thomas, his “best bud.”

William loved his family deeply and cared for family members with

generosity and a protective spirit. He faithfully attended family events

around the country, supporting and encouraging those he loved. He

was a dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and

avid, always hopeful, fan of the Buffalo Bills.

The family extends sincere thanks to medical providers and Fairhope Hospice and Palliative Care who cared well for Bill’s needs in his final days.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 10, at 11 a.m. at Halteman

Fett & Dyer (436 N. Broad St., Lancaster, Ohio), with Reverend Jason

Clark officiating. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. Graveside service at

Grandview Cemetery in Chillicothe, Ohio, is reserved for family

members and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Bill’s memory to North Star Initiative, PO Box 315, Lititz, or online at northstarinitiative.org/donate.