Obituaries
Bernard "Barney" Ecker Helped Build Several Chicago Landmarks
Barney's company did the interiors of the Water Tower, the John Hancock Building, Cellular Field and Sears Tower. He'll also be remembered for his love of talking to everyone — from children to total strangers.
Bernard "Barney" Ecker, 95, of Glencoe passed away on Sept. 9.
Barney was the beloved husband of the late Estelle nee Brody, the loving father of Beverly (Myron) Shapiro, Marilee (Matt) Cole, Susie (Louis) Greenwald, Amy (Clinton) Pross, Diamm (Walter) Marovic and the late Herbert Ecker. Ecker was the proud grandfather of Barrie Cole, Wendy (Damon Gorton) Cole, Dara Cole, Alisa (Darius) Greenbacher, Jerome (Beth) Greenwald, Parker "Hannah" Pross and Josephine Pross. He was the cherished great-grandfather of Orlando, August, Ruben, Sita, Xena, Bella and Anika. Bernard was the dear brother of Sylvia Rub, the late Gladys (the late George) Newman and the late Helen (the late David) Shapiro.
Barney was a political activist, generous philanthropist and president of M. Ecker & Co. from 1956 until 1995, which was the largest drywall and painting company in the Chicago area. His company did the interiors of several landmark Chicago buildings, including the Water Tower, the John Hancock Building, Cellular Field and Sears Tower.
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Barney enjoyed his family, respected his employees and loved talking to everyone — friends, relatives, cab drivers and total strangers, whether at home or abroad. He asked every child he encountered if they were having a good day or a bad day. He himself had mostly good days throughout his long and rewarding life.
Barney will be sorely missed by his family, friends and his devoted caretakers, Rode "Nora" Burgess and Rosa Valdez.
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Memorials in Barney's memory would be greatly appreciated and may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center at 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36014, to the Greater Chicago Food Depository at 4100 West Ann Lurie Place, Chicago, IL 60632 or to the Jewish United Fund at 30 S. Wells St. in Chicago, IL 60606.
A service for Barney is set for Monday at 10 a.m. at North Shore Congregation Israel in Glencoe. Internment will be at Westlawn Cemetery.
Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com. Obituary ran with permission by Chicago Jewish Funerals.
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