Burton Franklin Eckler Jr., 86, of San Jose, Calif., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023.
Son of Burton F. Eckler and Helen Mary West Eckler of Leeds, Burt was born Nov. 21, 1937, at Catskill. Burt’s work ethic was formed early in life as the son of a dairyman, where daily chores at the family farm were waiting each morning before sunrise.
Upon completion of high school, Burt attended college to study mathematics before joining the U.S. Navy in 1957. Burt would say joining the Navy allowed him to sleep late for the first time in his life, typically as late as 5 a.m.
He rapidly advanced through the enlisted ranks from an airman to an aviation electronics and radar technician, becoming a warrant officer, and finally a commissioned officer where he held aviation maintenance command positions. Burt was widely respected by his peers for his knowledge and ability to meet the exacting needs of mission-ready aircraft.
A Vietnam veteran with 30 years of military service, Burt retired from the Navy in 1987 followed by a civilian career as a senior technical writer working on a variety of advanced technology projects in Silicon Valley. His final years were spent in San Jose with wife Maria, gathering with neighbors, friends, and families of the naval aviation fraternity. Burt became a master woodworker in his later years, and enjoyed staying up to date with news, sports, and music.
Burt forged relationships with helpful and encouraging people in his final decades that brought him tremendous joy, including his best friend and neighbor Paul Benoit, who Burt long thought of as a son.
Burt was interred beside his beloved wife, Maria, who preceded him in death, at Los Gatos Memorial Park.
Services were provided by Darling Fisher Chapel of the Hills.
