John Robert “Rob” Eckenrode, 74

October 24, 2025

John Robert “Rob” Eckenrode,74, peacefully entered the loving embrace of his lord and savior Jesus Christ, on October 24, 2025, after a long hard-fought battle with IPF. Rob truly lived a full and selfless life. From his early years at Sacred Heart of Jesus School/Church and Lancaster Catholic HS (’69), Rob created a solid and loving foundation in his faith which would be the cornerstone to how he lived his life.

He studied Plumbing and Electrical trades in Philadelphia. Throughout his life, these skill sets were always shared with friends, neighbors and family (especially his kids and their friends, who would look to dad for his handyman advice- A LOT.) He was a proud member of the United States Army Reserves for 23.5 years, serving with the 99th Combat Support and M.U.S.T. Units. He served as NCOIC for M.U.S.T. and Radiology units. He was loved and well respected by his fellow officers throughout his career and was honorably discharged in 1994. His military service was only part of the testament to his love of his country; he was a very proud American and veteran.

Rob met his devoted wife, Vicki L. (Wolfe) Eckenrode, when he was driving for West End Ambulance Co.- she was the crew chief. Vicki and Rob just celebrated 49 years of marriage on September 24th, 2025. Rob was also a very proud father to his son, Philip J. Eckenrode and his daughter, Megan E. (Eckenrode) McEvoy. He deeply loved his five grandchildren, Keira, Ellie and Jacob Eckenrode and Michael and Evelyn McEvoy.

Professionally, Rob held many roles in the Lancaster Twp Public Works Department. His career spanned 36 years, and upon his

retirement as Superintendent of Public Highways and Safety, the township renamed Hamilton Park “The J. Robert Eckenrode Hamilton Park” for all his dedicated service. He also held part time positions at Hechinger’s, then Walter & Jackson to help support tuition costs to send Philip and Megan through Sacred Heart School and Lancaster Catholic HS. He felt so strongly about Christian values being instilled in his children, that he was willing to do the extra work. Soon after retirement, he and Vicki decided to fulfill their dream and retire to Ocean City, MD.

Rob’s volunteer activities spanned throughout his life- and he LOVED it! He was a lifetime member of the Lancaster Township Fire Company; additionally, he served for 10 years as secretary with the Wheatland Fire company before its merger with Bowman that became the Lancaster Township Fire Company. He was a member of American Legion Post 34, Knights of Columbus- Past Grand Knight (5-year tenure)-Post 867, Lancaster, PA, and 3rd degree member of Post 9053, Ocean City, MD. He served in many leadership roles on the Hamilton Park board, and various Sportsmen’s clubs (Lancaster, PA.) He was an usher and Eucharistic minister at Sacred Heart of Jesus church, and was heavily involved with his church St. Mary Star of the Sea Holy Savior church in Ocean City, MD. In his retired years, he volunteered multiple days a week at the Atlantic General Hospital (Berlin, MD). There were also countless occasions that he would happily dress up as Santa Claus for events for the young in age, and young in heart. He was also very involved in helping with his children’s many extracurricular activities over the years.

Rob was preceded in death and was undoubtedly welcomed into heaven by his beloved family. His mother, Olive (Hammond) Eckenrode, father, John W. Eckenrode III, his sister, Barbara Eckenrode and his brother Timothy Eckenrode. Mass services will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church- 558 W. Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA on Thursday, 11/6. The family will receive visitors at 10 AM, followed by his service at 11 AM. Inurnment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. There will also be a mass at his MD parish, St. Mary Star of the Sea Holy Savior Church in Ocean City, MD; those details will be shared by the family as they become available.

Rob was loved by many and will be sorely missed, as he was known for his warm personality, sense of humor, unwavering kindness, and his willingness to help anyone at any time. (He would always joke that he could make friends with a snake.) In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Coastal Hospice, (Berlin, MD), Sacred Heart of Jesus School/Church (Lancaster, PA) or St. Mary Star of the Sea Holy Savior Church (Ocean City, MD.)