Dean Russell Ecke, 79, formerly of Englewood, NJ died Saturday January 15, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Bethlehem, PA. Born April 11, 1942 in Englewood, NJ he was the loving son of the late Rita (Walsh) and Russell Ecke of Cresskill, New Jersey. He grew up in North Bergen, NJ upstairs from his beloved grandmother, Mary “Mame” Walsh.
Dean worked as the Vice President alongside his father, for the W.M. Walsh Company, a test boring contractor and geological drilling operation, which his grandfather, Wilfred M. Walsh founded. Dean was also an actor and as Dean O’Hara, he worked in many plays, commercials and television. He was a founder of the New Dimension Theater Group in Englewood, NJ. He was a proud member of the Screen Actor’s Guild and rejoined the union as he rebuilt his acting career as an older adult.
Dean’s mind, even through the plague of dementia, remained pliable for reciting Shakespeare’s monologues, poetry and various quotations in his larger than life voice which could project to the rafters. A voracious reader and a self-proclaimed autodidact, Dean was the person to turn to for information. He was an Intellectual and valued literature, culture, history, architecture and nature. He enjoyed art, fine dining, theater, music, cinema and all New York City had to offer. He was particularly taken with the works of Stephen Sondheim and Bach. His favorite films were The Big Lebowski and Withnail & I. In NYC, he was a member of and donated to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, The Whitney Museum, The Roundabout Theater, The New York Botanical Garden, ASPCA, Film Forum, and in NJ, The Greenbrook Nature Sanctuary along the Palisades.
His sense of humor was unrivaled, absurd and simply hilarious. He could get a laugh out of anyone and always broke the tension with his humorous theatrics and stories. Everyone wanted Dean at their party. He was brilliant at spinning even tragedy, when appropriate, as funny. As his favorite Uncle Artie once said audibly over the casket of his older brother, “Goodbye you old Nanny Goat.” Dean would love to be remembered this way as it made his big, belly laugh boom. He was kind to all animals and rescued many cats and dogs throughout his lifetime. He was a contributor to animal rights organizations and felt all animals should be treated with dignity and kindness. At the Rainbow Bridge he’ll be reunited with Colonel, Tigger, Baby, The Bat, Blue, Cassie, Alfie, Butterfly, Puck, Ripley and April.
He will be remembered as the most loving and supportive father and best friend of Deanna Gayle Ecke. He is the dear lifelong friend and ex-husband of his forever beloved Janet McVicker Ecke. He is the loving stepfather of Master William Christopher Sheridan. He is the loving “Poppa” of Lilly Olivia Ellsworth. He is the brother of Rita Altomara, brother-in-law of Gary Altomara and uncle of Ginevra Altomara. He is survived by his lovely canine friend, Matilda, whom he was instrumental in rescuing. He is predeceased by his beloved younger sister Deidre Gray Ecke who passed away just forty-six days prior. He is also predeceased by his first cousin and dear friend Walter A. “You Better Take It Easy” Ecke.
Per his wishes, a memorial party with champagne will be held in the warmer months of 2022. For details, please email deannaecke@gmail.com.
Also per his wishes, his ashes will be offered to the Cape Cod Bay in MA, the place he loved most and where he spent many joyous, unforgettable summers with his family. May your unique soul find solace in the depths of the green sea. Be at peace. We love you. Keep holding my hand Dad. You’ve finished the hat.
Memorial contributions, fostering or rescue of an animal in need may be made in his honor through Ready for Rescue in New York City. Their website is: www.readyforrescue.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Janet Ecke
January 22, 2022 at 8:11 pm
Dean, It’s only been a week, but I miss you already. I miss you asking over and over again Now where do you live now? You were a great father! Don’t worry about Deanna. I’ll take care of her as you watch over her. Sending much love and many prayers.
Janet Ecke
January 22, 2022 at 8:14 pm
Sending much love and many prayers to the family, especially Deanna.
Felix Navarro
January 22, 2022 at 9:01 pm
I was fortunate enough to have met Dean when I was a young man attempting to court his beautiful daughter Deanna. I remember him sitting in front of his huge Sony television, while I was trying to earn passage through the living room to the staircase leading to Deanna’s room. I will always remember the comfortable feeling of his deep voice as well as his glance letting me know that he trusted me with his daughter.
Thank you Dean for allowing me the honor of being welcome in your home.
Felix Navarro
Laurie Lester
January 22, 2022 at 9:28 pm
Please accept my condolences on Dean’s passing. May his memory be a blessing.
Patricia batista
January 22, 2022 at 11:05 pm
Dean, I will miss your singing to me! It was my pleasure meeting you! From Pat Batista ❤❤❤
David Wills
January 23, 2022 at 2:01 am
I was very saddened to learn of Dean’s passing. What I’ll remember most about him was his wonderful sense of humor. I don’t think I can ever recall a time when he wasn’t smiling and cracking wise. I was always happy to see him and would toss in a few jokes of my own but I was really no match for this ace raconteur!
As the beautifully written remembrance above illustrates he also took a keen interest in the arts, and I greatly admired him for that. Dean’s enthusiasm, restless imagination, seemingly endless archive of anecdotes and his generous spirit are what I’ll always carry with me.
My condolences to his family and to his friends at this difficult time. What a gift this man was.
Jan Keshishian
January 23, 2022 at 8:51 am
I am so very sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in your memories until you meet again. My prayers are with all that knew and loved Dean.
Jan
Gerd and Gunvald Larsen
January 23, 2022 at 11:23 am
Deanna and Janet
Our sincere condolence
Jacqueline A Dougherty
January 23, 2022 at 1:06 pm
Dean must have been an amazing man. Sorry for your loss…
Harry and Jackie
Deanna Ecke
January 31, 2022 at 10:06 pm
I love you Dad. I still can’t believe you’re gone. I’m so sorry you got so sick. It wasn’t fair. You suffered enough. I’m always holding your hand.
Carolyn Milne
March 4, 2022 at 2:04 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you and Dean and remembering so many fun times together! I would love to see you! Love Carolyn