"Hello, I was given the opportunity to be in BJs home from 2009-2011 and I enjoyed getting to know him through his community outings and interactions with his housemates. May the beautiful memories shared hold you all in comfort and fill your hearts with love. Liz Doyle "
In loving memory of
William G. Eckert Jr. "BJ"
May 8, 1959 - July 12, 2022
Passed away peacefully on July 12, 2022 at age 63. Predeceased by his nephew, Stephen Needler; grandparents; several aunts and uncles. BJ is survived by his parents, Bill and Kathie Eckert; siblings, Jim (Mary Lou) Eckert, Selina (Chris) Given, Tina (Ken) Zodarecky, Dennis (Karen) Eckert, John Richard (Ruthie) Eckert, Sue (John) Eckert, Danette (Haidar) Vail, Tim (Jeanie) Eckert, Bob Ammerschuber, Alan Simpson; favorite aunt: Glor McAndrew and many other relatives.
At the request of the family, wear bright colors in honor of BJ. Celebration of life will be held during visitation on Monday, July 18, 3-7 PM at Bartolomeo & Perotto, 1411 Vintage Lane. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday 9:30 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3003 Dewey Avenue. Interment at White Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester at 150 French Road Rochester, NY 14618 or the School of the Holy Childhood, 100 Groton Pkwy Rochester, NY 14623 or a charity of choice in his memory.
BJ's Life Story
B.J. was born May 8th 1959 in Groton, CT and was immediately loved and embraced by his Mom and Dad. They knew B.J. was going to be a challenge and though they knew not what the future held, they accepted God's gift, trusting He knew what He was doing; determined to carry out God's plan. B.J. grew and after moving across the country a couple times, settled in Rochester NY. There at the age of 8, B.J. started attending school at The School of the Holy Childhood. He graduated at nineteen and moved directly into the Adult Workshop where he worked for another 39 years before retiring in December 2017. B.J. was trusted to follow directions and maintain his focus to complete his tasks accurately. Before retiring in 2017, B.J. worked a couple years at Panera Bread in Greece. He bussed tables and was loved and spoiled by his coworkers.
B.J. loved family and it was always evident in everything he did. From his 11th birthday on, he shared his birthday with his sister Suzie. This was always a big event for him and he loved sharing it with her. When he learned to dial phone numbers, he was not shy about calling a sibling and asking them to take him out. Sometimes for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Other times it might be to take him to karaoke, or fishing. Sometimes, he just wanted to visit.
B.J. enjoyed life to the fullest and was always looking forward to the next event or celebration. His calendar was filled with the events of his life; Church - where he served as an altar server for several years, weddings - he loved to dance, family picnics, camping, vacations, Boy Scouts, Special Olympics, golfing, skiing (cross country and downhill), movies or any other outing that may be coming up. He loved the holidays, especially Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. He believed in miracles and had blind faith that what he wanted would happen. He hardly ever asked for big items - mostly it was a hug, or a new watch, or to help Santa at the family Christmas Party. He helped Santa every year and did such a great job that Santa made him an honorary Santa. He adored his nephews and nieces, and had a genuine love and empathy for children. He cared for them and loved to gently hold babies.
B.J. only knows family as he considered everyone he met as an extension of his family. He will be missed greatly but will continue to bring joy to his family through the memories we share and stories we tell. Memories of going fishing and having the boat sink, or calling 911, cruises to exotic places, sharing his love of music to whatever audience he could find, going to Toronto and hugging the Pink Power Ranger, being a flagbearer, driving a car, adding a '1'to his bowling score because he knew 3 digits was better than 2, desserts, knowing that he can have 4 sandwiches by cutting 2 in half and so many more. Please keep sharing B.J. moments with each other and remember his joy and child-like innocence and embrace your inner child to live as he lived.
Tributes
"I want to extend my best wishes to B J's family on the passing of their family member. I taught at Holy Childhood School when B J was a student there. We all know and feel that B J is in a good place. He is , once again, under the care of our beloved Sister Seraphine, Sister Concepta, Sister Pius, Sister Jeannine and Sister Clarice - God bless the Eckert Family - George ( Bud ) Foos"
"Bill and Kathy, so sorry to hear of the loss of BJ. My prayers are with you. Your Tops walk buddy, Carol Hauk "
"BJ, I will always remember your big hugs at the Kodak breakfasts at 58 main. You were such a joy and so much fun to talk with. Rest easy my friend. "
"BJ BJ was a child at heart. The things he loved never changed in his heart, his eyes or in his mind. God made him special. He had compassion that was present while still a young child. BJ could touch the heart of everyone that stood before him. We really believe he had a magnetic personality that drew everyone to him. BJ was loved and admired by everybody. His smile said everything needed to express what he wanted to say. BJ was an inspiration that drew the best out from all he came in contact with. BJ had a warm heart and a contagious smile that expressed his love for family and life. We were blessed by God and thank him for giving us 63 years of amazing memories. BJ will be missed by many, but every person that ever met him, will have a part of his memory embedded in their heart. God has taken BJ to a new life, and somewhere in time, we shall be together again, for eternity. "
"So many memories to choose from but one that stands out was when we took B.J. to see the movie The Croods. He laughed so hard! I was laughing because of B.J.! ???? LOVED hearing him laugh!!!"
"Kathie and Bill, my deepest condolences on the loss of your son. He brought many happy smiles to everyone he meant. May he Rest In Peace. Play your harmonica for the angels and the good lord. "
"To my big brother bj you brought joy and happiness to everyone you came in contact with . Please continue to watch over family a big thank you for being the best brother to me. Remembering all the times we played cars and trucks I had a great time.. Justine will forever miss you and she loves her uncle bj. Until we meet again my sweet brother we love and miss you always have fun playing with Timmy and Jamie keep a watch over them til we meet again with all our love always and forever ??"
"Kathie, Bill and family, I am so very sorry for the loss of BJ. May he be happy in heaven playing his harmonica for all the angels especially Stephen, Timmy and Jamie. Rest In Peace BJ. "
"Oh , BJ !! You will be missed! Miss you already! You were one of the best man I ever met ! I will miss when you told people ," Go away!" . You will always be in my heart ! Love you forever! "