Richard M. Eckonen

Richard M. Eckonen age 86 of Conneaut, died Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at UH Conneaut Medical Center.

Rich was born on April 25, 1934 in Conneaut the son of Mauno and Irene Dillman Eckonen. Rich graduated in 1952 from Conneaut High School.  He worked as a pinsetter at the former REC Bowling Alley, Conneaut Die Casting and Nickel Plate Railroad. Rich entered the United States Navy and served as a Petty Officer during the Korean Conflict until he was Honorably discharged in 1960.

After he returned home, Rich worked at the Electro Met in Ashtabula, Western Southern Insurance Company for 17 years, and later retired from the Pittsburgh & Conneaut Dock Company after 15 years of service working as a clerk in the storeroom.

Richard enjoyed bowling and golfing and was an avid sports fan and loved the Indians, Browns and Ohio State.  In his younger years he played fast pitch softball and later enjoyed coaching T-ball and Little league at C.L.Y.O.  He was a member of South Ridge Baptist Church and the American Legion Cowle Post 151.

Rich loved to spend time with his family and friends. He cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patricia Vignal Eckonen, two brothers Kenneth Eckonen, Ronald Eckonen, and a great-granddaughter Coralyn Turner-Hillyer.

Rich is survived by daughters Rhonda and Jeff Cohen of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Kathy and Chuck Jacobs of Conneaut, son Joseph and Tina Eckonen of Conneaut, brother Thomas and Diane Eckonen of Meadville, PA., grandchildren Chuck Jacobs, Nikki Jacobs and Tyler Harco, Aaron Kmecik and Zsharmia Page, Josh Korpar, Alitta Korpar, great grandchildren Alexia Jacobs, Devin Harco, Khloe Harco, Brendan Turner, Natalie Walker, a brother-in-law Robert and Coletta Vignal of CT. and several nieces and nephews.

Private Funeral services will be held on Saturday March 6, 2021 at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut with Rev. Tim Kraus officiating. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, Rt 20, Conneaut, Ohio. The American Legion Honor Squad will be presenting full military honors.

Richard’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Cindy Absher and the staff at the Harrington Home for the care and compassion given to Richard during his stay.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Conneaut Rescue Squad. 

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