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.
