Robert R. Eckert, Age 93, of Stuart, Florida passed away on January 16, 2014 peacefully at his home.

Bob was born March 15, 1920 in Binghamton, New York, son of Clarence and Agnes Eckert. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Geane Martin Eckert.

Bob served as an Ensign with the US Navy during WWII, and graduated from Yale University in 1946, living primarily in Binghamton, New York area, Bob worked as a reporter, columnist, and newspaper executive for independent newspapers as well as the Gannet Corporation newspapers (including Binghamton Press and Hartford Times), also the International Herald Tribune in Paris, and the Baltimore News American.

After his retirement, he returned to his lifetime passion of theater, becoming an associate producer of "The Summer of '42" off Broadway at the tender age of 81. Following that endeavor, he invested in several Broadway productions, including the Tony award winning "Memphis". Bob's greatest joy was supporting young artists starting careers in theater with special support for StarStruck Theater in Stuart, FL. and Endicott Performing Arts Center in Endicott, NY (which named their theater after Robert Eckert). His latest investment was in Santino DeAngelo's musical"Happy Endings". He had a great love of card games, particularly gin. We will miss his" calm" demeanor at the table and his graciousness in victory or defeat ... He played tennis into his eighties where his diabolical slice shots served him well.

Bob is survived by his children and their spouses Kathleen (Eckert) Brown and her husband Gary of Yuma, AZ, John M. Eckert and his wife Carolyn of Vernon, CT and David R. Eckert and his wife, Julie Feidner of Ellington, CT. He leaves grandchildren, Kendra Eckert and husband Clint Hogan of Melbourne, Australia, Kirin Eckert and Andrew White of Cheshire, CT, Edward Brown and Christopher Brown of Tempe, AZ, Robert E. Eckert of Ellington, CT, Geoffrey Eckert of Vernon, CT and great grandson, Brennan Michael White. He also leaves his longtime friend and companion Joan Zayac.

A memorial celebration of Bob Eckert's life will take place at Miles Grant Country Club on Tuesday, January 21st at 11:00 a.m. with a memorial service in Binghamton, New York later in the year at the family's convenience.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the StarStruck Scholarship Fund, 2101 S. Kanner Hwy., Stuart, FL.

An online guestbook is available by visiting www.treasurecoastseawinds.com.