Mark Ecker Obituary

Mark and Family,

Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you god bless.

The O'Connor Family, Nokesville,Virginia

I am sorry at the loss of your wonderful son. I admire his heroic life and how he used his gifts and talents to protect our country and to bless others. I pray that the memories of his life will continue to impact and bless others. My prayers are with you all at this time.

Our prayers and gratitude go out to Mark and his family. It makes me so proud to be an American to see young people like this who represent the best in all of us. God Bless America and God Bless Mark and his family.

Mark, and family: I was shocked and taken back when I read the email/link re Mark II; Hearing from Mark about his son, and reading the article, demonstrates the fortitued and strength he gave to his family, friends, and country. Although I never met Mark II, I felt as if I knew him from Mark's stories, and messages about Mark II progress and attitude since Iraq. My deepest condolences, and our prayers will be with you and yours. -

The Jewish religion believes that every soul is given a job to improve the Earth somehow. We do not know what our specific job is, but when we complete it, God takes the soul back to him. Whether it was to be a catalyst for use of translation technology, or to help motivate others, the good that he did will surely live on.

Mark will always be remembered for what he gave to our country, his family, and to everyone else he touched. May he rest in Peace.

The Santalucia Family, New York, NY

I was his Platoon Sergeant and I can tell you he all he gave 100% all the time, I wont forget my wingman In Iraq, he pulled security for me countless hours while in meetings with leaders of the Iraq and truely and american hero, after returning SGT Ecker or the new norm for me Mark became a very close friend to myself and my wife daughter and son we the Farnsworths will never forget huomor and your service and insperation to all, Brandon still remembers the man with bionic legs and the attitude to go with it.

I never knew this man and it is so touching to read his story now when he is no longer among us. I pray for peace to him in a life beyond the one he lived and may he continue to impact people through his memory.

Words will never be able to describe how a parent can feel over such a loss. The pain is indelible. I wish such a child on every parent, whose life on this earth and after he has comepleted his journey is an example to follow. Its a living example of a selfless life, selfless love for humankind. No words of sympathy can alleviate the pain felt by his mother. May his soul rest in peace and may God give the courage to the family to bear this huge loss.

In Prayers

Tasting the nectar of immortality, as the reward of sacrifice, they reach the Eternal. This world is not for those who refuse to sacrifice; much less the other world.
Sergeant Mark Ecker II,May you acheive this supreme state.

Mark, your son showed the spirit, determination....and persistence to change people's life....your son is unique, and I'm confident that you are proud of him, and you should be.

All I can say at this point is my deep condolences to your family.
"His spirit will remain forever"

Mark, you must be proud of your son, America will miss him

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

I am sure you are very Proud of Mark and what he has achieved. I cant tell you more than a few words - he has made such an impact to lives across the world. I do hope God gives you the strength to cope with the loss and I am sure you are very proud of what he did for his country. I cannot fail to appreciate what you must have done as parents to instill such values in your son.

Mark, there are no words that can ease your pain. But be proud of the life your son lived and the impact that he had in such a short time.. You and your family are in our prayers

As the daughter of a Marine and wife of a retired Marine you have my deepest condolences. Thank you for your sons service.

You and Mark are in our prayers.

Mark is a true American hero. The country will miss him.

Dear Ecker Family,
I am not a veteran, but rather an individual who sleeps well at night under the blanket of security provided by outstanding individuals like Mark. I now work with a number of veterans and am in awe of these individuals every day.

God bless Mark and God bless your family. You will be in my prayers.

John 3:16

We wish your family the best.

Dear Ecker Family,

It is with deep sadness that I write to you. I will be thinking of you as you mourn the passing of Mark. I was inspired by Mark and his story.

We demonstrate the IBM MASTOR technology in our Washington, DC public sector briefing center to visitors from around the world. One of the things we share is the story of the donation of the technology that resulted from Mark's suggestions.

We will keep Mark's "song" alive each and every time we demonstrate it.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Ecker Family,

Like many others have stated, I too am inspired by the accomplishments of your son. It's people like Mark who make America the greatest country in the world. I stand even prouder to be American today thanks to Mark (IBM Retired US ARMY Brigadier General)

Mark & Debra,

I want to first tell you what an inspiration Mark has been to me and my family ever since I first learned about his accident in Iraq from Paul Carleton at IBM. I work for IBM in Connecticut and followed the ordeal that Mark and you all faced as he was healing at Walter Reed and beyond and I rejoiced each step of the way. I never got the opportunity to meet young Mark, but I felt like I knew him. His spirit was so strong and so positive that I think anyone that followed his story could not help but love him. He gave so much of himself so freely for his country. As many have already said, he truly was an American Hero!! My boys, ages 16 & 13, were also very moved by Mark and seeing him overcome so much, but yet always maintaining a positive attitude. He was such a great role model to kids and adults alike!! My entire family was so sad to hear about his passing. We have talked many different times about how powerful of a young man he was and how many lives he touched in his very short 22 years!! Like I said, he truly was an inpsiration! Thank you for sharing him with all of us. Thank you for raising such a remarkable young man!! I know losing someone so suddenly can be very difficult as we lost my in-laws in a tragic car accident 2 1/2 years ago. After this happened, I was cleaning out my mother-in-laws closet and I came across this poem that brought such comfort to me and I hope it will bring comfort to you as well. God Bless you and your family. You will always remain in my thoughts and prayers!

"If You Could See Where I Have Gone"


If you could see where I have gone, the beauty of this place,
And how it feels to know you’re home, to see the Saviour’s face,
To wake in peace and know no fear, just joy beyond compare
While still on earth you miss me yet, you wouldn’t want me there!

If you could see where I have gone, and made the trip with me
You’d know I didn’t go alone, the Saviour came with me.
When I awoke he was by my side and said, as He touched my hand,
“Hurry, you’re going home, to a grand and glorious Land.”

If you could see where I have gone, and see what I’ve been shown,
You’d never know another fear, or ever feel alone.
You’d marvel at the care of God, His hand on every Life,
And realize He really cares, and bears with us each strife,
And that He weeps when one is lost, His heart is filled with pain,
But oh! The joy when one comes home, a child at home again.

If you could see where I have gone, could stay a while with me,
Could share the things that God has made, to grace eternity.
But no, you couldn’t ever leave, once heaven’s joy you’d known,
You couldn’t bear to walk earth’s paths, once heaven was your home.

If you could see where I have gone, you’d know we’ll meet some day,
And though I’m parted from you now, that I am just away.
And now that I am home with Him, secure in every way,
I’m waiting here at heaven’s door, to greet you some sweet day.

Author Unknown

My prayers are with you as you experience such a deep loss. Thank you for Mark's service and sacrific to our country, and your sacrifice as the family of a brave serviceman.

Dear Ecker Family,

SGT Mark Ecker is a true American hero. I'm certain that those lives he has touched have been forever blessed. I would believe that Mark had all the core Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage instilled in him by family prior to his enlistment. As a nation, we are indebted to Mark for his service and his family for their sacrifice. (IBM - US Army Retired)

Dear Ecker family:

For forty years I wore the cloth of our nation as a Naval Officer. During all that time I considered going in harms way merely a part of the path I chose to follow. It wasn't until my own son elected to join the Navy that I realized what a burden having a loved one in the military is for the family left behind. When Chris went to Iraq...I began to feel the constant ache that accompanies your daily life when you know your child is in a dangerous place. My greatest comfort was in knowing that Chris was always in the best of company...the men and women of our armed forces that were there with him. Your son served with the very best our country hs ever produced. He is one of them and is back among his buddies and our Savior.

Mike Roesner
Rear Admiral, SC, USN (ret)

My prayers goes to all his family an friends. I am sure his story will touch and inspire many, as it did me.

Dear Ecker Family,

Your son was truly an oustanding young man. As a retired veteran and an IBMer, I am inspired. You did a wonderful job to raise such a fine person.

What an amazing young man. As a fellow Veteran, I am so proud, and as a parent I can only hope that my children will aspire to be this kind of example. I want to thank you Mark and Debra, not only sharing for your son, but for instilling in him all the qualities that allowed him to be such a great man.

Dear Ecker Family,
I read about the loss of your son, Mark, via the communication from Bob Samson. My most sincere condolences and prayers for your son, and that you may all find solace in his memory.

Lorraine Herger, IBM

Dear Ecker Family - Like others in IBM, we did not know your son personally, but we do empathize with your loss. Our family and friends do thank him for his service to our country. We also owe you and your family a debt of gratitude for raising such a brave, courageous son whom you supported and shared with our country! We believe you must be very proud of everything that he was able accomplish and share. We hope that your memories of Mark will sustain you in the days and weeks ahead.

Dear Ecker Family,
Bob Samson notified IBMers of the tragic news of your son's death. My heart goes out to all his family and friends. His story is one of great courage and moves me to gratitude for people who give so freely of themselves for others. Please accept my deepest condolences. I pray for your peace and comfort.

Dear Ecker Family,

We want to express our sorrow with the loss of your son. We received the notification from a fellow IBMer. I spent 22 years at IBM after serving in the Army in Germany. You must be very proud of the wonderful son Mark was, and the service to his country.

Dave Goggin

Dear Ecker Family,
I could not imagine the pain of losing such a wonderful son. But I also know that his life, and what he meant to you and all those he touched, will be a blessing and a source of strength forever.
My sincere condolences.

George Magnani
IBM New York

The extended IBM family boasts many amazing members, but surely your son is near the top of that list. Too many people get bogged down in the unimportant things - your son was clearly a shining example of focusing on what really matters in life. My thoughts are with you.

Dear Ecker Family.
My deepest thoughts go out to on the loss of your son. Although I didnt really know him but he became a hero in my eyes my thoughts and prays are with you

Dear Ecker Family - I, and my family are deeply saddend by this loss of a true American Hero. As part of by the IBM family, as well as the military family community, I have folowed the insiring story of Mark. My, and my family's prayers are with you. I know Mark will always live within your hearts and the hearts of all he has touched. I am sure he is looking down on us now to continue to share at least a little part of his courage and grace. God Bless you as you deal with this tragedy.

Semper Fi
Cate Richards & The Richards Family

Dear Ecker Family,

Being a veteran myself (LTC Air Force)and since 8 months working in IBM Netherlands, I want to express my sincere condolences and wish you all the strength you need in the coming time with the loss of your son Mark.

Fred Streefland
IBM Netherlands

Dear Ecker Family - Your son was an American Hero. He was an inspiration to all of us. He lived life to the fullest and made memories that you all will cherish. May you find comfort and solace at such a difficult time. Sincerely.

Dear Mark and Family,
Your and your son will be rememberd for the ultimate dedication and service. You let him go serve expecting him to return and now you let him go again and he awaits your return to Heaven. The Eric Clapton song 'Tears in Heaven' comes to mind. Listen to it and and have another good cry. Live with the longing to see him again when we all are re-joined with God in heaven.
Thank you for letting our country borrow your son and sorry for your loss.
Tony Amaddio and Family - IBM Cleveland

I was touched when I heard the story of your son through communications with IBM. I am touched again as I reflect on what I know of his life and how tradegy can be turned into a life fulfilled way before we on earth believe it to be. God has said that his life and purpose has been fulfilled. My prayers are with the family. My believe is that Mark's physical prescense is no longer with us but I feel his presense at this moment as I am typing and I didn't know him personally. Spirit lives with us while we are on earth and when we go back to pure spirt getting ever closer to God when we do!! You were blessed to have been a channel in which Mark learned the right lessons to give what was needed while on earth and in the physical presence. I am humbled, thankful for the experience, and continually faithful in God's grace, mercy, faithfulness, and the belief that it is God's purpose for which we are here and not our own!!

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Ecker,

Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your son Mark.

He was a brother-in-arms, an inspiration, a patriot and a hero.

Mark will live on in the hearts of many, now and always.

Lawrence Sellin
IBM
(Afghanistan 2004, Iraq 2008-2009)

Dear Ecker Family, my sincerest condolences for your loss. Reading the story of Mark through a note shared by Bob Samson, I could not help but to share your loss as well as the pride you had over your son's bravery, love of life and his personal dedication to making a difference in everyone's life. His story is truly an inspiration and will live forever in the hearts and minds of everyone he touched. May God comfort you all in this time of sorrow.

To the Ecker family. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

A fellow IBMer

Dear Ecker Family, I am humbled and honored by your son's story. During this very sad time, however, I trust that your pride in him and his service to our country brings you some measure of solace and comfort. Please know that my children and I have all of you, and Mark, in our thoughts and prayers. With gratitude and deepest sympathies,

Dear Ecker Family,
I just read your son's story and wish that I could have thanked your son for his commitment and sacrifice to ensuring our great country's freedom. God has received a great soldier. I will pray for peace unto your family.

Dear Ecker Family,
Although I never met your beloved son, his life story is an inspiration to me and I'm sure to all who read about him. As the mother of a 19 year old son, I feel deep sadness you must be experiencing. My prayers are with you in this most difficult time. I am sure that he is in Heaven now with those of your family who have gone before. May peace be with you. Taffy Kingscott

Mark and Debra, like everyone with whom I have spoken, I was stunned to hear of Mark's passing. What an amazing young man. He affected so many in such a short time. In the many visits to Walter Reed, it was Mark who was lifting the spirits of those that came to say hello. It was Mark that had the bright outlook on the future.

I hope you can find some comfort in all the wonderful comments and memories of so many people that Mark touched.

Mark will long be remembered for the man that he was. He literally changed people's lives with his attitude, strength and outlook.

Dear Ecker Family My deepest condolences to your family. Mark was at Saint Catherine's Bible camp and my 9 year old son was so impressed of how he spoke. That evening he talked all about mark. Mark had a lot of love to share.May god bless him and also your family. Thankyou Sgt. Ecker-you will not be forgotten.

When the time comes
And you have to die
When you are called home
For your reward.
You could measure all the love
That you left behind
If you could count
The teardrops on the floor
Teardrops are raindrops
In the garden of life
Everything needs water
To make it grow.
The lives that you've touched
By the memories you leave
Is something,
You will
Never know.

Post Script to July 14th message: The services held for Mark were a beautiful tribute for a beautiful person. Messages on sites indicate Mark touched the hearts of many. It would be a privilege to read a book on Mark's life and journey. His courage and determination to overcome his adversity would surely be an inspiration to others.

Dear Mark and Family-
Our heartfelt prayers are with you during this very difficult time. We hope that the incredible courage, joy and self-lessness that your son embodied -- and those fond memories will help fill in the empty spaces over time. We thank you for raising a wonderful leader and for his service to our country. From two fellow IBMers...

To the Ecker Family,
My deepest sympathies and heartfelt pride in what Mark has done for our country. I just learned of his passing through Bob Samson's message.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family,
God Bless, Jim and Dolores Obendorfer

Dear Ecker Family, your son's story was shared with the IBM family by Bob Samson and I had to take a minute to express my deepest sympathies to your family and to acknowledge the sense of pride my family has in your son and others that have served our nation to preserve our freedom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and know that your son was received by the angels in Heaven. I will pray for peace and blessings unto your family.

Dear Ecker Family,
As mentioned by my IBMers colleagues, I learned about your son from Bob Samson. I am not an American Citizen. I am Brazilian and live in São Paulo. I live far away and did not have the opportunity to meet your son in person,but was touched by his life story,courage and great energy. What a special boy!

Long time ago, I lost a son too.I know the feeling. It is really hard. Very difficult to us to get back to our ordinary lives... Long time ago I learned that little by little we start feeling better, and return to our daily activities stronger than we used to be. Little by little you will feel better. Slowly. One day after another.

You have so many things to be proud of!!

Although I am far away and do not have English as my native language, I hope my message reaches you with my love. (Tears have no accent)

Your son will always be with you as a very special memory. I wish you peace.
With love,

God bless you Sgt. Ecker for your service to our country as well as the light you shared with the world. We should all be so fortunate to look back at our lives and know that we left the world it a bit better than when we arrived. Blessings and thanks to his family for having nurtured such an exemplary human being. My deepest sympathy.

Dear Mark and Family, My family and I offer our sincere condolences in your time of need. We also offer our sincere gratitude for Mark, his dedication to country and his inspiration to all. May the days ahead bring you peace. May memories of Mark forever bring you comfort. May you find joy in knowing that your precious son and brother made an impact on our world. From those he watched over and cared for to those who will hear his story and be forever changed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

To the Ecker Family
Like so many IBMer's I did not know your son but feel as though I do in reading the notes that have been passed inside IBM about him. How proud you must be of him and while your heart may ache now I hope there are many wonderful memories to sustain you. May God Bless you and your son.

While I do not know you or your son, you are part of the IBM family so I know that there are many out there that are praying for your family in this time of sadness. This type of compassion and feeling of community is what makes me proud to be an IBMer. You should be very proud of Mark and what he accomplished as he exhibited many of those traits. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Dear Ecker Family,
I learned of your son's passing thru a Bob Samson note. I watched the funeral procession video. It moved me to tears. I pray the Lord Jesus may comfort you during this time of grief. May good memories of Mark sustain you. I thank him for his service to our country. May God bless you all.

To Mark and Family,
What a devastating loss to have to endure. Mark was truly a hero in every sense of the word. After his terrible war injuries, it took strength, dedication, humor and lots of love to overcome such physical disabilities. To do so and remain on earth as the spirit force that he was truly inspired the world that met and knew him. I am so so sorry for the terrible loss now that you face by the accident that took his life. I said a prayer out loud for Mark and for you in church on Sunday. May you find comfort in the people who are now surrounding you in the loss of your son. Mark, as a teammate, you have been an inspiration with your strength and your courage as you have faced the many challenges that life has given you. May you and your family find the peace that you need so that celebrating the love and joy of Mark's life is not overwhelmingly painful in time. With prayers to you and your family. Dale

Dear Ecker Family - We grieve with you in the loss of your son. My family and I owe him, and you, a debt of gratitude. May God bless you during this time of loss.

Dear Ecker Family, If someone had said that it would end this way, that Mark would have entered your life, done what he did, have the impact he had, and share what was shared - then we would still say, Yes, bring him on - let's do this and share what was, for it was great, and the experience can never be measured in time, only in the lasting impact on all of us.

Dear Ecker family, My sincere condolences with the loss of Mark. I know that no words can ease your pain but I hope that in the coming weeks and years you find comfort in the fond memories of him and all the lives that he must have touched. I know of the sacrifices he made to defend our Constitution and for that you should be extremely proud and for the lives he watched over as an Army NCO. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Mark and Family, I was unable to attend the services this past weekend as my wife was in surgery at Manchester Hospital. On behalf of myself, my family and our Nephew, Sgt Christopher Aulerich, Army National Reserve, Salisbury, Maryland, who served in Iraq for 10mths and is currently in training for redeployment to Afghanistan. We want to thank Mark for his dedicated contributions and service on behalf of all of us who value our freedoms and liberty. I know your deeply saddened but at the same time extremely proud of your son;s accomplishments during his shortened time on earth. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Greetings to Ecker Family! Having worked with wounded warriors for the past two years (from WRMC), it is with great respect I pass on my sympathy & condolences on the passing of Mark. Thank you for raising a young man who served his country with pride, and continued to display that level of dignity & commitment after his IED injury. Like manay of the wounded warriors I deal with, it sounds like Mark had that special inspirational quality. I wish you all nothing but much peace along the road ahead. All the best & God bless, Tim

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Ecker,

How inadequate are words to express my feelings of sadness over Mark's death. Although I did not know Mark well only having listened to him present to a group of IBMers in Hartford after returning injured from the war, he held a special place in many people's hearts because we all like to meet and see a real American hero -- someone who does what most people can not do and makes it look easy even when it isn't - - someone who inspires others.

Our hearts are filled with sympathy for the shock and grief you are suffering today. We want you to know that all of the IBM Hartford Office employees who listened to Mark speak to them have spoken of him as man who seemed that he could be counted on in every situation. If ever a man lived by his faith it appears this was your son. He will live in our memories as a wonderful example of a good soldier, neighbor and friend, and will be dearly missed.

I want to offer my heartfelt condolence to you and your family.

With deep sympathy for your loss.

To the Ecker Family.
I never knew your sun, but I will never forget the tears that filled my eyes when I heard the inspirational story of him throwing the first pitch at the Orioles game agains the Boston Red Sox. (There is something especially amusing in the fact that he and his entourage were all Red Sox fans!)

The story, as told, was that Mark was only recently through surgery, and that he was going to throw the pitch from his wheelchair. He refused. He stood up on his new leg, and willed his way to the mound, and threw the pitch to the roar of the crowd around. What a wonderful story of his will, and also of the appreciation of the American people for his sacrifice.

I know he continued to give his all to those around him, and it is a deep tragedy that he was taken so soon. I just want you to know that he has left an indelible impression on me, and I'm sure many, and that his hope will live on forever.

Robert Ames
IBM

“When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that, in truth, you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” Kahlil Gibran

Bob Samson shared your son's story with us here at IBM. I pray that God comforts you knowing that your son made a difference in this world. His service and dedication to mankind have surely earned him a place in heaven's portals. God bless and carry you through this difficult time.

Dear Ecker Family,

My deepest condolences on the loss of your son, Mark. I am an IBMer in the Federal IMT and an officer in the US Army Reserve, so your son's loss certainly hits close to home. I hope you will take comfort in the good he did during his life and the contributions he made to freedom across the globe. You all are in my family's thoughts.

My knowledge of your son is solely based on what I have learned about him through IBM. Yet I feel I know him well, and I am personally very proud of him. His heroism and love of his country are unsurpassed. Yet I cannot imagine losing such a bright shining star, so early in his life. My condolences to the entire Ecker family.

Dear Ecker Family, What a brave, courageous son whom you raised and shared with our country! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today as you face the pain of your loss. I pray for that your memories of Mark will sustain you in the days and weeks ahead.

Dear Ecker Family, I can't even begin to understand the pain of your loss, but your son is a hero in my book. I thank the Lord every day for brave men and women like him who help all Americans enjoy our freedom. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers

Dear Ecker Family,
I was so devastated to learn of your sons passing. I just pointed him out to my 3 children at the E.Long 4th of July Parade and told them all about how brave he was to defend us in the Irag War and how amazing it is that he was walking the entire route of the Parade. I used him as a lesson that morning, telling my children all things are possible. You had an amazing son, who in his short life lived more than most people live in a lifetime. Be proud and I hope you will find comfort with his memories and all the incredible things he did. I never met him but felt like he was a friend just from following his story. You will be in our Prayers.
The Beijerbergen Family

Mark and Debi & family,
I offer you my very deepest condolences on this horrible loss. When we first met you and Mark 2 years ago for the escort to Northampton, we were awestruck at how positive and resilient he was despite his tremendous loss.
As we stood with you on Saturday, the tears flowed for Mark, but we also smiled recalling his beaming face and his inspiring spirit that allowed him to overcome, apparently, anything! We proudly escorted him back to the funeral home, and wept as we carried him back inside. My life is richer because I got a chance to spend just a little time with your amazing son, Mark! We will be forever grateful for that. We will never forget him. Know that we are here for you anytime!

"Troll"
Massachusetts Patriot Guard Riders

Dear Mark and Deb, my heart goes out to you at this most difficult time. Your son inspired me a year ago when my daughter and I saw him march in our town parade with a smile. I will never forget that moment. It was an honor later on, to have the opportunity to help on the home project to give something back to him for the service he gave us. The person he was, made us want to do it even more. He definately was courageous, yet humble and taught us all. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

hello Debra,
so sorry to hear of your lost, just the way you spoke of your son to us at the college when we had you as our professor, told us he was outstanding, happy and just man you brought up, may god bless you all and keep him alive with the memories and laughter, you are in my prayers, take care your former student Sam Oliveras + family,

To the Ecker Family, Our Deepest Sympathy in the passing of your Son. When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in Exchange. Memories are the legacy of love. Again Our Deepest Sympathy, American Legion Post420, Auxiliary

To the Eckers,

On behalf of my family, I want to thank your son for being who he was. Mark provided me the previlige to live free in this country and enjoy the freedoms my family has. My wife Julie and I and our three children enjoyed the July 4th parade in EL with our good friends the Giannakopoulis', when Mark stopped right in front of us during his marching of the parade. Everyone in our immediate vicinity applauded him, and he looked over at us, smiled, and gave us a wave. It's not everyday you are acknowledged by a genuine American hero.

Please accept our very deepest condolonces. Mark was a person for the ages.

Sincerely,

Dave, Julie (Briones), Alexis, David Jr., and Jack Gamache

My memory of Mark will always be seeing him in the 4th of July parade with a smile that touched the hearts of hundreds of people. Although we celebrate his life during this difficult time, his legacy will be of a young man taken before his time but who contributed a lifetime of service and courage rarely seen. We honor you Mark and thank you for giving us a true hero which we all needed in uncertain times. Sincerely, The Sherry family

Mark will always be a friend that I will miss dearly.

Our condoleneces to the entire Ecker family. A TRUE hero lived in our town and will ALWAYS be remebered. You have a special angel!
The Murray's
East Longmeadow

Dear Ecker family, So sorry for your loss. Luckily I had the chance to meet Mark once while I was visiting W. Ma. I let him know I grew up with his dad in Wilbraham. We had a nice conversation. His courage and determination were a great inspiration. May he rest in peace.

Dear Mark and Deb, I was looking forward to working with Mark on his home. Your son was one of the most gracious and humble peolpe I have ever met. Though almost twice his age, he taught me a few things about life. He was an extrordinary individual. His mere presence would light a room up with life. Any parent would be proud to call him "Son". Our prayers are with you.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Mr. and Mrs. Ecker
Your son brought many , many smiles to the faces of the children at St. Catherine of Seina's summer camp last year and this. They were thrilled to see and hear him. He spoke to them as if he knew who they were and knew all their names. My wife and daughter are on the staff at camp and two younger daughters are campers. They were all taken by your son's kindness. I myself am also a Army Vet and thank Mark for his service to our country. Please accept my family's and all of the staff and campers of St. Catherine's our deepest condolences.

Bill Reardon and Family

Thank You

Mr. and Mrs. Ecker, Kyle & Dearest Shannon:

Mark was an amazing man who has done so much for his country, his community, his family and friends! I hope that some of his accomplishments and the wonderful memories you have help ease your pain in this difficult time. Mark was able to impact my life on many levels and I can't even imagine the pain you must feel. Please know that everything Mark has done and the amazing person he was will never be forgotten- he will eternally be a hero to all. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers, and may God make the pain lighter for you to bear.

Dearest Ecker Family~
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathy to all of you in this time of great sorrow.

We all sincerely thank Sgt. Mark Ecker II, for his brave and courageous efforts to keep all Americans safe. We appreciate all that he did for us. We have all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

With our deepest sympathy,

Dear Mark and Debra, we were so sorry to hear of the loss of your Son. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
The Hilton/Polaris

Dear Mark,Debra and family. I hope you can find some comfort in the prayers and thoughts being expressed for you and in the extraordinary impact Mark made in his short life. He gave hope to those who lost hope, resolve to those who wanted to give up and a spirit of love and inspiration to all that he touched. His life's story will be remembered and re-told, and he will live on forever.

We would like to extend our gratitude for all your thoughts. Your support and wonderful words are helping us to try to remain strong in order to honor Mark. Gratefully, The Ecker family

Dear Mark and the entire Ecker family: In the brief time that we talked at the Hilton in Columbus (I was the one reading outside) I knew your son was extraordinary. I just learned the news the other day when I overheard Ben, he was then gracious enough to give me more details. I wish for you and your family only the best and I will continue to keep Mark in my prayers.

From my family to yours we mourn your loss. Your son will be at peace and live in Gods loving arms. Until the next time.

Mark and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief and sorrow. It is difficult to find words that adequately express the heartfelt emotions. We never had the opportunity to meet your son face to face but no doubt his spirit and determination in the face of much adversity has created a lasting inspiration for us. This quote, from Pericles, “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” perhaps best sums up my thoughts on Mark’s untimely passing. I hope you find some comfort in knowing how much lasting positive impact your son had on many of us.

To the entire Ecker family, we send along our most sincere condolences. Your son was a true hero, not just on the battlefield, but in the hearts of all whom he touched in some way.
It was just last week that my grandson came home from camp and mentioned that Mark had spent some time with the kids again this summer. He was saddened to hear of Mark's passing.
God bless you all. Our prayers are with you.

Caroline and family
East Longmeadow

Dear Mark,Debra,kyle and Shannon, As a Mom of a son serving in the United States Military...God Bless Our Brave Men and Women...My heart and prayers go out to each and everyone of you.In this time of grief May your tears comfort you at times with some laughter and the warmest memories of your Son/Brother. Thank you for his service. God Bless your Family...

Mark ALWAYS had the can-do spirit, was an inspiration to so many, including other patients at WRAMC (Walter Reed Army Medical Center).

I personally have attended local fundraisers for Mark where it was evident that not only did he have his family's support, but the ENTIRE community and that makes a difference in the lives of those who are willing to give up their life so we may live in FREEDOM.

Mark and his parents have even joined the band ShovelHead on a few occasions for a great time. I remember him convincing me to have a shot of "chocolate cake" at Brew Too (convincing may not be the right word, as having a shot with Mark was an honor). That was a little over a year ago. At some point Mark approached me that night and said "thank you, I don't know if I had the chance to tell you before." I never ask nor expect thanks from my Heroes, it is I who am thankful for their service, dedication and sacrifice for US.

I will forever see that big SMILE on Mark's face when my friend Pilar asked him to dance in July 2007.

Debra, Mark and family: my heart goes out to you. My sincerest condolences.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

To Mark and Debra,
Your son was an inspiration. When he first returned from Iraq, I decided to take Coach Belichick with me to visit Mark at Walter Reed. I thought the visit might help lift Mark’s spirits. But, we were amazed at Mark’s resolve, his attitude and his determination to overcome the setback. He was upbeat, positive and eager to accept the next challenge in his life. It’s funny, we went to Walter Reed hoping to provide some type of inspiration to a young soldier, yet we were the ones who left inspired. You should be proud to have raised such a great son. On behalf of the entire Patriots organization, we mourn the loss of a local hero and a true PATRIOT. Please accept our condolences.