Richard H. Eckfeldt ’61

Dick died July 8, 2011, in New York City after a long struggle with a multitude of illnesses. He was determined to attend our 50th reunion, and he made it, although confined to a wheelchair.  

Born in Clayton, Mo., and raised on Philadelphia’s Main Line, he prepped at The Haverford School. At Princeton, he majored in psychology and English and was a four-year letterman in football and lacrosse. A member of Tiger Inn, Dick roomed with Olin West, Jay McCabe, Ken Scasserra, Bill O’Connor, John O’Neill, Bob Epsen, Dave Black, and Bill Bush.

After Princeton, Dick served for three years as a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps — a life-defining experience for him. He earned an M.B.A. at Wharton in 1966 and spent most of his business career as an executive with Avon Products. During those years he had four postings abroad, in England (twice), Madrid, and Munich.

He had lived in Brooklyn Heights since 1971 and was a parishioner of Grace Church in Brooklyn. A reunion regular, he was a loyal Princetonian and classmate.

Dick is survived by Martha, his wife of 40 years, and a daughter, Sarah.