Ralph Eckler Passes Away at the Age of 74

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Ralph Eckler Passes Away at the Age of 74


Back when I was a kid in the 1970s and becoming a real Corvette enthusiast, one of the first names I remember hearing was that of Ralph Eckler.

Mr. Eckler started Eckler Industries in 1961 in Titusville, Fla., and was one of the true pioneers when it comes to selling Corvette parts and accessories. Over the years, he expanded the business to other Chevrolet models, and I remember buying emblems from Eckler’s for my dad’s 1970 Impala as I restored it a few years ago.

Sadly, Mr. Eckler passed away on Saturday, April 23 at the age of 74.

While Corvette and Chevrolet enthusiasts are grateful to Mr. Eckler for his contributions to our hobby, we like what his granddaughter, Ashley Eckler-Wilms, told Florida Today as she remembered him for what he meant to her.

Ralph Eckler Passes Away at the Age of 74 Ralph Eckler with his family. Photo Credit: Ashley Eckler Wilms


“I think it’s hard for me to say anything but an icon. He was a staple name in the Titusville community. Whether you were a Corvette owner or not, you know of Ralph,” Eckler-Wilms told the newspaper. “It wasn’t necessarily that he was a Corvette man but he was a great person for the community. He was the most giving, loving person. He never met someone that he didn’t call a friend.”

As Ashley concluded: “He was my pops and I was so proud.”

Survivors include his brother Robert, his children Susan, Steven, Nicole, and Cori, and his granddaughters, Ashley, Megan, and Cassidey.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any would-be donors please give to the Make-A-Wish Foundation at wish.org

Update

A “Celebration of Life” event will be held in Cocoa Beach, Fl on Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Sunset Grill.


Source:
floridatoday.com

Related:
Corvette Legend Dick Guldstrand Passes Away at the Age of 88
Legendary Corvette Racer and Racecar Builder John Greenwood Passes Away at Age 71
Corvette Hall of Famer Bob McDorman Passes Away at 82

 



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1 COMMENT

  1. A “Celebration of Life” event will be held in Cocoa Beach, Fl on Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Sunset Grill. I would imagine quite a few Corvettes will be there, as the annual Eckler’s Toy Run draws hundreds in the holiday season.

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