Preston R Eckmeder, Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Preston R. Eckmeder, Jr., beloved husband and father, all around newspaper man, and cherished friend, who left this world peacefully on April 19, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on August 9, 1931, in Kingston, Pennsylvania, Preston was a longtime Hopewell Valley resident and for the past 31 years a resident of Solebury Township, PA.

Preston was an United States Army veteran. He was employed for 35 years by Town Topics newspaper in Princeton, NJ, holding almost every position possible from photographer, sports and crime writer, ad man and, sometimes delivery person. He truly loved his job and looked foward to going to work every day.

His faith and belief in God were of utmost importance to him. At the time of his passing he was a member of Forest Grove Presbyterian Church, Forest Grove, PA.

Predeceased by his parents, Preston R. and Jane (Johnson) Eckmeder Sr.; his first wife Carole Eckmeder; sister and brother-in-law, June and David Hoeschele. 

Preston is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Carol Eckmeder; six children and their spouses, Bruce and Jenny Eckmeder, Lynn and Chanh Tran, Amy Elliott, Richard and Christina Eckmeder, Carrie and Vince Mulray, Robert and Christine Patterson. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, seven of whom are married, and 12 great grandchildren. From a blended family of eight, he ended up blessed by one of nearly fifty. He loved being with his family.

Graveside services were held privately at the Harbourton Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 11:00 am at Forest Grove Presbyterian Church, 1856 Forest Grove Road, Furlong, PA 18925, with a receiving line beginning at 10:00 am. 

In lieu of flowers donations in Preston's memory may be made to the Church. Arrangements are under the care of the Blackwell Memorial Home, Pennington, NJ.