Thomas E. Eckonen

Thomas E. Eckonen, 81 of Union Twp, Meadville, passed away on January 20, 2023 at UPMC Hamot in Erie after suffering from a broken heart. His passing came one year after the death of his beloved wife, Diana.

Thomas was born in Conneaut, OH on January 13, 1942 to the late Mauno and Irene (Dillman) Eckonen. A 1959 graduate of Conneaut High School, Mr. Eckonen spent much of his working career as an electrician. He also worked with the PNC Dock Company of Conneaut, OH, and Erie Press Systems.

Thomas enjoyed the great outdoors, and was an avid hunter. He also loved trapping and fishing. As a baseball fan, Thomas championed the Cleveland Indians. In his earlier years, Thomas was a preacher and deacon at the Titusville Church of Christ, and also led the Youth Group. Mr. Eckonen was a member of Emmanuel Christian Church, Stoneboro, for many years.

On September 12, 1970, Thomas married his loving wife, Diana Lee (Reuff) Eckonen, marking 51 years of marriage for the couple. In addition to raising their own children, Thomas and Diana served as caretakers for their granddaughter, Capri, for twenty-four years.

Left to cherish Thomas’s memory are his children; Ronald (Kathy) Reuff of Pleasantville, Stacey (Leonard) Rombold of Hadley, Rusty (Lauren) Eckonen of Meadville, Trudy Eckonen of Conneaut, OH, Troy (Christine) Eckonen of Conneaut, OH, and Tracy (Joe) Terry of Bonita Springs, FL; 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Thomas was preceded in death by his son, Thomas (Bo) Eckonen; his daughter, Taamy Schultz; his grandson, John Eckonen; and his brother, Richard Eckonen.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rose and Black Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. Stoneboro & Sandy Lake.

A memorial service will take place at Emmanuel Christian Church, 4495 Greenville Sandy Lake Rd, Stoneboro, PA 16153 on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 11 AM, with the Pastor Tim Clark, church pastor, officiating. A funeral luncheon will follow the service at the church recreation hall.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.RoseAndBlackFH.com