Earl L. Eccleston, 81, of Bunker Hill Road, Tuscarora, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 29, 2020.
Born in Greene, NY on February 27, 1939, Earl was the son of the late Martin and Ellen Sprague Eccleston. He attended Addison schools.
On May 1, 1959, he and the former Dora C. “Dolly” Hazen were married at the First Presbyterian Church of Addison. Dolly preceded Earl in death on May 27, 2018.
As a young man Earl was employed by Ingersoll Rand Co. in Painted Post while at the same time he and Dolly operated a small grocery and gas station in Tuscarora. He later worked for Keuka Construction and the Town of Tuscarora Highway Department. Earl eventually found his way to A.L. Blades & Sons in Hornell where he worked for over 35 years as a truck driver, retiring at the age of 72.
Earl served as pit steward at Woodhull Raceway for over 40 years, never missing a race. Dolly worked along with him as a scorer. They were inducted into the Woodhull Raceway Hall of Fame for their contributions there. He was also a long-time member of the Tuscarora Fire Department where he had served as chief and most recently assistant chief under his son Gerry for many years. He never missed a call. If available, he would respond.
Earl raised beef cattle on his farm and enjoyed hunting with his family. The hunting was secondary to the time spent with his sons and grandsons on his hunts. He cherished that time together.
Earl is survived by his children and partners, Gerry and Tammy Eccleston, Earl Calvin Eccleston and Margie Pavlick, Dawn and Tim Vargeson and Michaela “Missy” and Doug Reed, all of Addison, 16 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, his brothers, Larry Eccleston and Al (Susan) Eccleston, his sister, Margie Eccleston, along with several nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Gizzy.
Besides his wife Dolly and his parents, Earl was predeceased by his infant son, Leroy Eccleston in 1964 and his brother, Gary Eccleston.
Friends may call on Friday, October 2 from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. at the H.P. Smith & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY. Funeral services will be held there on Saturday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Troy Preston officiating.
Burial will follow in Addison Rural Cemetery.
Memorial donations are suggested for the Tuscarora Fire Department, 1167 Mack Road, Addison, NY 14801. Current COVID-19 guidelines will be observed.
