Alan Eckel, a devoted family man and resident of Westford, Massachusetts for 55 years, died peacefully on September 25, 2024, following a long illness. He was 81 years old.

Born in Cambridge on June 5, 1943, he was the son of the late Oliver and Dora (Angus) Eckel. He was raised in Carlisle with his sister, Andrea, who died in 1968.

He was the beloved husband for 59 years to Patricia Leigh (Ellis) Eckel, the dedicated father of Alan Ellis Eckel (Jennifer) of Pemaquid, ME, Alexander Eckel, Shirley, MA, Leigh Andrea DeLair of Harrodsburg, KY, Allison Welles Eckel of Newcastle, ME and Andrew Brown Eckel of Chelmsford, MA. In addition, Alan leaves behind five adored grandchildren, Evan Ellis Eckel, Logan Alan Eckel, Andrea Welles Gutierrez, Alexander Javier Gutierrez and Welles Martin DeLair, a nephew, Steven Ellis (Maryanne) of McKinney, TX, and cousin, Carolyn Blackmore (Cy) of Kirkwood, MO.

Alan graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School in 1961 and from Boston University in 1965. Subsequently, he earned an MBA from Boston College in 1971.

Alan began his career in the family business as a teenager. He worked in many positions for the company during the years, before becoming President of Eckel Industries in Cambridge, MA and Morrisburg, Ontario, Canada forty years ago. As part of his professional accomplishments, Alan was awarded multiple patents across many disciplines. His work provided him the opportunity to travel extensively around the world.

He was an avid sportsman, often visiting Kentucky to enjoy outdoor sporting events with his Kentucky family. He traveled with friends and family to far away places, where he loved to hike, hunt, ski, sail, fish, race cars, and enjoy the great outdoors. He had a longtime interest antiquing and "collecting treasures" with a particular fondness for marine antiques. Spending time at his Maine home with his kids and grandkids brought him immense joy.

Alan held memberships with the Acoustic Society of America, Institute of Noise Control Engineering of the US, Westford Sportsmen's Club, Carlisle Minutemen, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association, Sports Car Club of America and First Parish Church United in Westford.

Those who knew Alan will forever remember his unwavering kindness, compassion, generosity, humor, hard work ethic, and above all, the unconditional love he felt for family, friends, employees, caregivers and his pets.

The family wishes to specially recognize and thank his devoted caregiver for 8 years, Desmond McClean, and all the caregivers and staff at Bridges in Westford.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Alan's life on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 11 am in First Parish Church United, 48 Main Street, Westford, MA. A reception will follow. Burial will be private in Concord, MA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to honor Alan's memory may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital in Boston or The Samaritan's Purse .

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord, MA.