Richard M. Eccles

Richard M. (Rick) Eccles passed away peacefully on January 12, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was 65.

Rick was born on May 19, 1956 in Elkins Park, PA to the late Thelbert (Bud) and Dolores Eccles. He was a lifelong resident of Levittown. He graduated from Neshaminy High School in 1974, where he was a star football player. Upon graduation, he attended Memphis State University on an athletic scholarship where he continued his football career. After coaching changes at Memphis, Rick transferred to the University of Cincinnati. He eventually signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL); however, his professional football career was sadly shortened due to injury. Following his return from the CFL, Rick joined the Bucks County Sheriff’s Department while also attending Trenton State College, now the College of New Jersey, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. In the late 1980’s he transitioned careers and joined the McCafferty Auto Group where he eventually served as the General Manager of their Jeep and Hyundai dealerships. In 2006, he sought a new endeavor and was fortunate to open his own insurance agency, The Eccles Agency, in Levittown until his retirement in 2021.

Rick was very active in his community, having volunteered and sponsored teams for the Middletown Athletic Association and gave much of his time to the Neshaminy School District. Rick was appointed to the Neshaminy Board of School Directors in 1998. Rick served 3 consecutive terms on the board winning reelection in 1999, 2003 and 2007 prior to stepping down in 2011. During his time on the Neshaminy School Board, Rick served as the board’s president from 2003-2008. One of the most rewarding moments for Rick was helping to secure the $45,000 donation from McCafferty Auto Group which allowed the Neshaminy High School Choral group to perform at the 1998 Aloha Bowl Parade in Hawaii, a trip that was in danger of being cancelled.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Eileen (Dawson) Eccles, son Christopher Eccles and his wife Jessica, son Dr. Joshua Eccles and his wife Brittani, his cherished granddaughters Ivy and Joni and beloved family dog, Emma. Rick is also survived by his brother, Robert Eccles and predeceased by his sister, Debbie Appleton.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Rick’s name may be made to the Neshaminy Education Foundation (NEF). https://www.neshaminy.org/Page/43718

Arrangements are under the direction of Delaware Valley Cremation Center