Superman – who can change the course of mighty rivers, bend steel with his bare hands and who, disguised as Clark Kent, mild mannered reporter
Dear Editor:
Jersey City unexpectedly lost one of its own last week – a mild mannered man – a man who also was a quiet Superman to all. John Eckhardt, 71, literally nicknamed, “Superman,” who without distinction or accolades, did so much for our fair city during a lifetime of kindness and love. No matter what the charity or organization – Am Vets, The Library, The Elks, The Moose Clubs, all sorts of Irish organizations, Boys and Girls Clubs, activities on behalf of his beloved Bayonne Robbins Reef Yacht Club, so many associations dealing with cancer and other diseases – he was there. And with that wonderful smile. He even cut off his signature pony tail for a cancer benefit. Always, quietly working behind the scenes barbecuing, selling and collecting tickets, you name it, no job was too mundane.
John also was a great friend, an intelligent, introspective and non-judgmental man who loved his town and its people.
I will miss him terribly as will so very many who loved this modest “Man of Steel.” I am a better person because I knew him. We all are.
Barbara Swab
Asheville, NC
Formerly of Jersey City, NJ