Obituary of Gregory J. Eichler

    Mr. Gregory J. Eichler, 77, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Wynn Hospital with his loving wife by his side.

     Gregory was born in Utica, on January 23, 1947, the son of John (Jack) C. and Mary Anne (Lynch) Eichler. He was raised and educated in Utica, was a graduate of Utica Free Academy and attended MVCC, HCC and Utica College. Gregory proudly served in the infantry of the US Army during the Vietnam War and was a Purple Heart recipient. On November 22, 1969, Gregory was united in marriage with Christine Hurd, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Utica. Gregory was employed with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation for 37 years, retiring in 2006, doing his favorite job, Traveling Operator. He was a member of American Legion post 1376 in New Hartford, Knights of Columbus council 189 in Utica and a parishioner of Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes campus in Utica. Gregory was a sports enthusiast, golf and baseball being his two favorites. Prior to his illness he and his wife enjoyed their winters in Florida.

     Mr. Eichler is survived by his beloved wife, Christine; three sisters and one brother-in-law, Mary Anne Van Schaick of Florida, Kathleen (Kate) and John Nicoletta of New Hartford and Susan Eichler of Florida; two brothers and sisters-in-law, John (Jack) and Linda Eichler of CT and James (Nancy) Eichler of Syracuse; three sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Karen Eichler of Whitesboro, Kathleen Smith of Rochester, Sandra O’Connor of MO and David and Julie Hurd of NJ; He shared a special bond with Kathleen Matthews and Marion Tarallo of Florida who were like sisters to Gregory, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews and special friends too numerous to mention. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Anne, three brothers, Robert, Thomas and Kevin Eichler and three brothers-in-law, Stephen Van Schaick, Eugene Smith and Richard O’Connor.

     Gregory’s wife would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. B. and the nurses on the ICU Unit at Wynn Hospital for their guidance, support and compassion.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Gregory’s memorial Mass of Christian burial on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St., Utica. He will be laid to rest in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro.

   In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Gregory’s memory, to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or at T2T.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or at stjude.org.