Randy Eckstein, age 65, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his immediate family on October 17, 2018 after a long, courageous battle against cancer. Randy Eckstein was born on June 10th 1953 to Raymond and Kathryn Eckstein and raised in Cassville, Wisconsin as the third of eight children. Randy was an ambitious businessman who founded his own marine company, Eckstein Marine Service Inc. which started with one vessel, the M/V Roslyn Eckstein in 1978. He grew his company into a fleet of 36 vessels, which he later sold, due to health reasons to Marquette Transportation in 2006. Randy leaves behind a legacy in the Inland Towboat Industry for being a kind, charismatic, and extremely successful employer and businessman. He is known for his innovative thinking, contagious passion, hard work ethic and always putting his employees first. He made an unforgettable impression on everyone he encountered, whether it was a conversation with a wheelhouse captain, a deckhand, shore side employee or CEO, Randy was always 100% engaged with everyone he met. He will be forever remembered and missed in the industry. Once retired from the marine industry, he spent the rest of his life building his faith, enjoying his family, friends, golf, traveling and helping others.
Always a devout Catholic, he lived his life spreading the love of Jesus, inspiring others to grow in their faith, and embodying the teachings, sacraments, and beliefs of the Church.
He was a longtime supporter of MD Anderson Cancer Center. He contributed greatly to Advancing the mission of finding a cure for cancer. The Raymond and Roslyn Eckstein foundation established the largest and most unique Tissue Acquisition Laboratory for prostate cancer patients in the United States and its legacy of advancing the care for prostate cancer patients continues nationally and internationally. He served on the MD Anderson Board of Visitors for many years. His passion was helping people get into MD Anderson as quickly as possible and following up with them with their care. He helped hundreds of people through their journey with cancer.
He served proudly as a board member of the Ray and Kay Eckstein Charitable Trust. He served as Treasurer of the New Orleans Mission Property Foundation Board and was a generous contributor to the New Orleans Mission. He served on the Our Lady of Prompt Succor Shrine Board committee and was extremely committed to helping the shrine and devotion to our Lady of Prompt Succor.
He was a longtime supporter of the Notre Dame Seminary. He was a former board member of the Harry Thompson Rebuild Center and he was a St. Louis Medallion recipient.
He was a member of many associations including: Metairie Country Club, Greater New Orleans Barge Fleeting Associations, American Waterway Operators, Member of Gulf IntraCostal Waterways Association.
Randy lived life to the fullest. He is survived by his loving wife, Roslyn Salvaggio Eckstein; his three daughters: Lauren Schonekas (Parker), Kristin Eckstein, and Taylor Geoghegan (Eddie); his four grandchildren Olive (5), Marielle (4), Andrew (3), and Isla (due in November); his father Raymond A. Eckstein Sr; his mother-in-law Catherine "Patricia" Salvaggio; his six siblings: Joanne DelDotto, Sue Homra, Cindy Zaninovich, Teresa Eckstein, Joe Eckstein and John Eckstein; and his 30 nieces and nephews. Proceeded in death by his mother, Kathryn Alyce Eckstein; sister: Mary Kay Eckstein; father- in-law: Ross Joseph Salvaggio; brother-in-law Thomas Erickson; and nephew Nicolas DelDotto. He is loved by many and his enormous heart and smile will never be forgotten.
A visitation service will be held on Friday evening on October 26, 2018 at Saint Rita's Catholic Church, 7100 Jefferson Hwy, Harahan, LA 70123 from 5:30 - 8:00 PM.
The funeral mass will be held the following day, Saturday on October 27, 2018 at the same location, St. Rita's Catholic Church at 12:00 PM. Burial services will follow the mass at Metairie Cemetery.
Donations made in his honor can be sent to MD Anderson Prostate Cancer Research, MD Anderson Leukemia Cancer Research, Blessed Seelos Center, New Orleans Mission, or St. Jude's Children's Cancer.
The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18