Obituary of Thomas J. Eckweiler

Thomas Joseph Eckweiler, died on Monday April 15, 2019, after a short illness surrounded by his family. He was born in Blakely Pennsylvania on January 5, 1933 to the late Jerome and Hilda Eckweiler. As a child Tom and his family moved to Rome, NY. He graduated from SAA in 1950 and joined the US Air Force. After an honorable discharge he worked for the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller for nearly 4o years. On October 17, 1964, Tom married the love of his life Joan (Cardiff) Eckweiler. Joan was the center of Tom's world and proof that opposites attract. Where Joan was the life of every party Tom was quiet and content to read and watch his Mets. In 2000 he and Joan moved to Syracuse to be closer to their 2 daughters and their grandsons. Tom was born to be a grandfather; he was happiest as a chauffeur, short order cook and play mate to his beloved boys. For 20 years, the whole family enjoyed yearly vacations to Vero Beach Florida, where we liked nothing better than being together. On March 5th, 2011, Tom was predeceased by his sweet Joanie, after 46 years of marriage. He is survived by two daughters, Mary Beth Mandelis and Kristina Eckweiler; four cherished grandsons, Maki, Ryan, Noah and Nick; a son-in-law, Paul Mandelis; two sisters, Joan Dombrowski and Virginia Carty; a sister in- law, Judy (Ron) Wolf and special nephew, Jonathan Wolf; many cousins, nieces and nephews from here to Canada. Tom was predeceased by a sister, Marie Wheelden and two brothers –in-law, Mitchell Dombrowski and Michael Carty. The family would like to send a special thank you to three nurses at the Fahey Rehabilitation Center, who made Tom's last days as peaceful as possible: Mike, Joe and KC. A mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, April 22, 2019 at 11:00am at St. Peter's Catholic Church where the Rev. Phillip Hearn will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will take place at St. Peter's Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Contributions may be made in Tom's memory to Helping Hounds 6606 Kinne Rd. Dewitt, NY 13214. Arrangements by Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome.