Richard M. "Dick" Eckardt

Richard “Dick” Eckardt, 88, of Cambridge, Maryland, passed away on February 10, 2026, surrounded by family. Born October 2, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Mildred (Bonewitz) and Frank Eckardt. His mother, an accomplished concert pianist and organist, died shortly after his birth. Raised in Chester, Pennsylvania, he found joy in simple things: biking through Chester Park, playing French horn in the high school band, and discovering the Young Life ministry that would guide so much of his future.

Dick met the love of his life, Addie, and together they built a partnership rooted in service, adventure, and deep mutual support. Their journey took them from Baltimore to the Texas coast and finally to Cambridge, where they poured themselves into Young Life and the wider community. Even Hurricane Celia could not shake their commitment; it simply redirected them to the place they would call home for more than five decades.

Dick’s calling as a Psychiatric Social Worker began in 1970 at the Eastern Shore Hospital Center. With the mentorship of Mabel Creighton, he earned his master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and spent 22 years offering compassion, steadiness, and dignity to those in his care. His work did not end with retirement, he continued serving the State of Maryland through forensic and competency evaluations, always guided by the belief that every person deserved to be understood.

But Dick’s life was far richer than his résumé. He loved classical music, woodworking, long road trips with his boys, cycling, and any chance to gather with his grandchildren and great‑grandchildren. He stepped onto the stage with the Skipjack Players, taking on the role of Fagin in Oliver! with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything else. At Christ Episcopal Church, he found a spiritual home—singing in the choir, tending to the grounds, and helping guide the church’s future.

Dick will be remembered for his steadfast support of Addie through her nursing and political career, and for the way he showed up—consistently, faithfully—for his family, his profession, his church, and his community. Dick’s life was a testament to his faith in Jesus Christ, commitment, kindness, and quiet strength. We give thanks for the gift of his presence among us and for the legacy he leaves in the lives he touched.

Dick is survived by his wife, Addie; sons John (Amy) of Mount Vernon, VA; Jeffrey (Jill) of Clear Spring, MD; and Marc (Heather) of Bremerton, WA; nine grandchildren; and three great‑granddaughters. He is also remembered with love by the families who became their surrogate kin in Cambridge (the “Group”)—proof that family is sometimes chosen as much as inherited.

The Celebration of Life will be held April 11, 2026, at 11:00 am at Christ Episcopal Church in Cambridge, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Christ Church Music Fund, and Young Life Dorchester. Arrangements are in the care of the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.