John Joseph Eckel, Jr.,73, of Avenel passed away on June 6, 2020. John was born on August 11, 1946 in Newark to parents John J. Eckel, Sr. and Margaret Ellison Eckel. John served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star. John then had a 45-year career with AT&T. John is survived by his brother James J. Eckel and wife Barbara, and sister Margaret E. DeJean. He is predeceased by his wife Virginia Hafeken and parents John J. Eckel, Sr. and Margaret Ellison Eckel. Three words to sum up John’s life: Duty, Honor, Country. John will be interred at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery. Date and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers please make donations to your local American Legion or VFW in John’s memory.