Harvey S. Eckell

Harvey S. Eckell, age 76, passed away August 13, 2021. Harvey was born in Philadelphia, the oldest child of Alvin and Sara. He was a proud graduate of Bartram High School and attended Drexel University where he majored in accounting. Harvey was also a graduate of Gratz college.

Harvey married his wife in 1967; they soon moved to Newark Delaware where they spent 49 wonderful years surrounded by a fantastic community of friends. A son was born in 1974. They moved to Wilmington in 2020.

Harvey and his wife owned Newark Newsstand and Volume II Books. He finished out his career at Wilmington Trust.

Harvey loved to travel and loved all kinds of music & Broadway Theater. He especially enjoyed Philadelphia Orchestra concerts. He was a Ruby Life Master bridge player. He was active in Temple Beth El and was a past treasurer and President of the congregation. He was twice voted Man of the Year. But his greatest love was his family. Whether it was watching Lee’s baseball games and tennis matches or attending his granddaughter’s dance recitals and softball games or watching the Phillies, Eagles, Sixers, or Flyers with his family, he was happiest in their presence.

Harvey is survived by his loving wife and best friend Arlene; his son and his pride and joy Lee; Lee’s wife Melinda, who he loved like a daughter, and his granddaughter Payton, who forever will be “his brown eyed girl”. He is also survived by a sister, Aline Miller of Poughkeepsie, NY., brothers and sister in laws, nieces, nephews, wonderful friends, and his grand dog Baxter James.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at the Jewish Community Cemetery, 401 Foulk Rd., Wilmington. Casual attire. There will be a visitation at the late residence-2^nd floor- on Tuesday evening from 6-9 P.M.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hadassah, c/o Sylvia Wagman, 2519 Wexford Dr., Wilmington, DE. 19810 or to aspca.org for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

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Molly and Avner Ganz writes,

Dear Arleen and family. We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Harvey, may his memory be a blessing.

08/14/2021 01:40 pm

Maxine L LaPlace writes,

Arleen, I am so sorry to see that Harvey died. We had a few good laughs when I was in Newark. Sending my sincerest thoughts from the high desert of New Mexico.

08/15/2021 09:58 am

Patricia B Dean (Patty) writes,

Please know I am thinking of you at this sad time. Harvey was a wonderful person.

08/15/2021 08:10 pm

Mary Kate Hall writes,

Aunt Arlene and Lee, you have my deepest condolences on the passing of Uncle Harvey. While there was no relation, you've both always been us Hall kids' aunt and uncle, and Lee has always been our acquired cousin. Uncle Harvey was larger than life, and his memory will be forever cherished. I wish you ease of pain from the sorrow of his loss in your lives, for he will be with you always. So much love to you. -Mary Kate

08/15/2021 10:13 pm

Roy Hall writes,

Arleen, I am so sorry to read about Harvey’s passing. I have many fond memories of the times we spent together as neighbors. May he Rest In Peace. Roy

08/15/2021 10:32 pm

Michael Hall writes,

Aunt Arlene, You have my deepest sympathies. I still have fond memories of Uncle Harvey calling the balls and strikes for Little League games. While there were some parents that needed reminding that he was the head umpire, the children all respected that he had the first and last word when it came to any game he was behind home plate.

08/16/2021 08:30 am

Raeann writes,

So sorry to hear about Harvey. I have many fond memories of him and his stories at the Newsstand. My thoughts are with you Arlene and family.

08/16/2021 09:40 pm

Wanda Godwin writes,

Arlene and family I worked at Newark Newstand back in 1976. Harvey was a hard worker and I always saw you by his side. He will be missed

08/17/2021 01:28 pm

Anne Solan writes,

Arlene, Lee, Melinda and Payton, Barry & I are so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved husband, father and Zeyde Harvey. He loved you all beyond measure, was so proud of Lee and his accomplishments and as for his granddaughter, the kvelling was never ending and unconditional love boundless. We were very lucky to have you as tolerant backyard neighbors as our family grew 😉 . Newark Main St was also so lucky to have had such a magnificent newsstand, and later Arlene’s bookstore , thanks to you. And Temple Beth El’s community would have so much the poorer without Arlene and Harvey’s dedication and leadership for decades. But I know from Harvey’s own lips that his greatest joy was his family and his granddaughter . May his memory always be for a blessing for his family and for all who knew him Annie & Barry Solan

08/17/2021 04:50 pm

Barry Solan writes,

I would like to speak sadly of the passing of Harvey Eckell, who along with his stalwart wife Arlene ran the Newark News Stand during my years at the State Theatre. Actually, they were there long before I got there, and were there for many years after I departed. They were an incredibly central part of the Newark Main Street experience. Harvey was a singular sort of fellow, maybe a bit gruff, but you always had the impression that beneath that facade lied a heart of gold. He clearly loved his business, his wife, and his beloved son. We were back door neighbors for many decades, and although our families were friendly as neighbors , I was always happy to know that such a fine family, a family engaged in small business just as Annie, and I were, , lived right behind my back door. Rest In Peace, Harvey Eckell, you were a substantive part of many of our lives, and were loved by your family, and community. Rest in Peace. Barry Solan

08/17/2021 04:53 pm

Joe Shaughnessy writes,

Harvey are Arlene are two of my top all time “bosses.” I think of your family often and send you all my love and positive healing energy. Harvey will certainly be missed, but never forgotten.

08/17/2021 05:26 pm

Patrick Hall lit a candle and writes,

Arlene and Lee, I was saddened to hear of Harvey’s passing. I have many fond memories of him as a neighbor, a boss and a friend. My favorite is from my childhood when he would come over on Christmas Eve to read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ to me and my siblings. He was absolutely one of a kind and will be missed. -Pat

08/18/2021 08:41 am

The Baumgartner family writes,

Arlene, Lee, and family, We were so surprised to hear about Harvey's passing. Our thought and prayers are with you. Keep all your happy memories together, close to your hearts. We know how much he will be missed.

08/18/2021 06:09 pm

Alan Hodesblatt writes,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I knew Harvey through bridge -- I ran bridge games here for many years and spent many Monday evenings with him. He was always a joy to be around. Alan Hodesblatt

08/20/2021 07:55 am

Aline Miller writes,

Dearest Arlene, there are not enough words to describe how he will be missed by so many people including myself. He was always there for me no matter what. So many stories to tell it would take a book. Having you by his side was the best decision he could of ever made. So loving, strong and devoted. I am so fortunate to have you by my side also loving, strong and supportive. I will love you till I have no breath left.

08/20/2021 01:59 pm

Aline Miller writes,

There are not enough words to express what a wonderful caring brother he was! We had our sibling rivalries but many, many wonderful ones! I will miss him greatly and cherish my memories for all of my life. The best decision Harvey even made was marrying his dear wife. She loved him deeply and stood by him through all his life. She is strong, loving and caring to all. May she find strength in knowing he is at peace!

08/21/2021 11:27 am

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