Elston M. Ecker

Mr. Elston M. Ecker, Retired School Superintendent, passed away September 4, 2016 at age 83. He was born in Altmar, NY on November 17, 1932, son of Elston A. and Reeta M. (Watts) Ecker. Elston graduated from Altmar-Parish High School at the age of 16 and received a BS from SUNY Oswego at age 19. He started his career as a math teacher in Brownville Central School. His career was interrupted by a two-year service in the army during the Korean War. Following the war, he returned to teaching math at Pulaski Central School and received a M.S. Degree in Education from Oswego. At the age of 24 he became the Elementary Principal of the Bolivar School in Chittenango and was the youngest School Administrator in N.Y. State. While working in Chittenango, he completed two years of graduate study at Syracuse University and received a School Superintendent Certificate. In 1966 he became the Business Administrator for the Fulton City Schools. From 1970 to 1992, he was the Superintendent of the Belleville Central Schools. During this time he was instrumental in initiating a merger between the Belleville and Henderson School Districts. The result was Belleville-Henderson Central School and a new k-12 building was constructed. He also served as Administrative Representative for Section 3 Athletics. Elston worked forty years in education and was a lifetime member of the National Educators Association, the NYS Teachers Association, and the Retired School Superintendents Association. He was an avid fisherman and sports enthusiast. Elston also enjoyed music, traveling and growing tomatoes. He is predeceased by his parents; a brother, Lisle Ecker and his sister, Lucille Kern. Elston is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Betty J. (Shutt) Ecker; his son, Bruce (Susan) Ecker of Baldwinsville; his daughter, Lynne (Steven) O’Hara from Westhampton, NY; five grandchildren, Gretchen, Stephanie, Derek, Nathaniel and Aaron, along with many loving nieces and nephews. A Funeral service in celebration of Elston’s life will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 10:00 AM in the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday, September 9, 2016 at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Belleville Henderson Central School, 8372 County Route 75, Adams, NY 13605.

Elston M. Ecker

November 17, 1932 - September 4, 2016