Kenneth R. Eckert

Kenneth R. Eckert, lovingly known as Bones, passed peacefully from this earth surrounded by his loving family on February 21, 2026. The youngest child of Benjamin and Adeline Moretti Eckert, by whom he was predeceased, he was born and raised in Chester, PA. Kenny attended Smedley Junior High School and graduated from St. James High School, where he also attended vo-tech for automotive services.

 In his early years he could be found most summer days at the Irvington Swim Club, where he was on both the swim and dive teams. He cherished his times in his beloved Irvington Hills neighborhood, where he was well known for his childhood escapades. 

After high school, Ken went on to The Automotive Training Center (ATC) to pursue a career as an automotive mechanic. He loved all things car-related and was always happy to spend any time he could at the racetrack, whether it be at Cecil County Dragway watching his friends race or at Maple Grove Dragway watching the National Hot Rod Association, for which he was an avid fan. He shared special memories in his motorhome with his closest friends while attending racing events. 

While working as an automotive mechanic since 1989 in Chester, PA, Ken was probably best known for his many years tending the bar at the Liberty Tavern in Woodlyn, PA, where he diligently kept his own schedule and found the best of times. Surrounded by his Chester brothers, family, and multiple friends, he spent many days not only providing for his family but also creating bonds that can never be broken. Thank you to the Murray family for treating him as your own. 

Ken was a compassionate animal lover with many pets. He loved to share stories of his family dog, Barney, affectionately known as “Wildman Barn”.

 In 1999, Ken married his wife, Kelli, with whom he shared the last 27 years. Together they were blessed with their children, Jordan and Kenny. Throughout the years, as a family, they welcomed many special and cherished dogs: Jethro, Pete, Leo, Jake, Cooper, Evie, and his Duke the Dog.

 Ken and Kelli, along with children and dogs, were lucky to take many family vacations together. Ken especially loved to take Jordan and Kenny to many fun destinations, and many summers were spent in their RV at the Oceanview Campground, and more recently, the Bayshore Campground, where they made many happy memories. 

In more recent years, Ken became a Philly sports fan, enjoying Sunday football with close friends and family and reveling in the Eagles' Super Bowl wins. 

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Kellianne Povey Eckert, children Jordan Eckert and Kenny Eckert, his sister JoMarie Verga (Lou), his brothers, Ben Eckert and Robert Eckert (Joanne), five loving sisters-in-law, known as the Pov chicks, and two brothers-in-law, Jack Povey, (BettyAnne) and Jimmy Byrd, in addition to many nieces, nephews and special friends. 

As a family, we would like to thank everyone who loved and supported Ken over the last few years, whether it be a trip to Philadelphia, a phone call to catch up, or the thoughtful benefit to help us through; it was so appreciated, and the love was felt. 

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at 11 AM on Monday, March 2, 2026 at the White-Luttrell Funeral Home, 311 N. Swarthmore Ave., Ridley Park where a visitation will take place from 9-11 AM.

Memorial gifts to Providence Animal Center, 555 Sandy Bank Rd., Media, PA 19063 or at www.providenceac.org would be appreciated.