Jay Franklin Eckert, 73, of Mertztown, Berks County, died on Jan. 13, 2024, at his home.

He and his wife, NanC Ann (Werkheiser) Eckert, were married 51 years.

Born Sept. 7, 1950, in Allentown, he was the son of the late Bernard and Olive (Heiney) Eckert.

He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era.

He was a machine maintenance technician at G.&T. Industries, Reading, before retiring.

Before that, he worked in steel fabrication.

A member of the Ray A. Master American Legion Post 217, Topton, he was an avid motor head who enjoyed building and restoring muscle cars with friends and family.

If anyone needed help, he could always be found in the garage. He also enjoyed going to car shows and cruises.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by a daughter Nicole M. Tow and her husband, Troy, of Mertztown; grandchildren Kyle Tow (Jenna) of Mertztown, and Alyssa Mace (Ian) of Allentown; siblings Boyd “Buddy” Eckert (Ann Marie) of Walnutport, Martin Eckert (Cathy) of Slatington, Roxann Fenstermaker (Mark) of Walnutport and Kenneth Eckert of Georgia.

A celebration of his life will be noon-3 p.m., Jan. 20 at Ray A. Master American Legion Post 217, 133 Centre Ave., Topton.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Sanctuary at Haafsville c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.