MT. DORA, FL - Richard F. Eichelberger, 81, formerly of Manhattan Ave. on Youngstown's west side, passed away Saturday, July 1, 2017 peacefully at his home in Mt. Dora, FL.

Richard, or Ike, as he was called by his friends, was born May 9, 1936 in Youngstown, the son of the late Harry and Mary (Erwin) Eichelberger, and the fourth of seven children. He grew up on the south side and attended South High School. Later he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in the 2nd Armored Division at Ft. Hood, TX. He worked for A&P warehouse in Salem until the early 80s and retired from Youngstown Waste Water Treatment plant in 2001. After retiring he and his wife relocated to La Crosse, WI to be near their daughter and later moved to Florida.

Ike was introduced to Frances (Fran) Pastucha by their mutual friend Bob Garcar. They married on October 10, 1964 at Holy Name of Jesus Church. Together, they did everything and made many memories. They took train rides across the country, tailgated at OSU and YSU games, tried their luck at the casinos, vacationed at beaches along the east coast, experienced Lambeau Field, polka danced, cruised the Caribbean with their great friends the Garcar and Gonda families, spent weekend nights at the Saxon Club, enjoyed beers at the Oktoberfests in La Crosse, caught up with relatives at family reunions in Akron, OH and Lancaster, PA. The list goes on. They were active members of Holy Name church, and enjoyed working bingo with all of their friends there. And let's not forget the many memorable holidays and good times spent with family and neighbors on Manhattan and Wellington Avenues.

One special relationship Ike had was with his grandson, Jonah. There was a strong bond between the two of them. From fishing and playing video games, to chasing trains and watching trains enter and leave the train yard, to going out to dinner or to the shooting range, they were like two peas in a pod. Ike loved attending Jonah's hockey games, and tournaments on the road were always a fun experience. Ike and Fran were regular faces at the rink and were embraced as a part of a wonderful Orlando Jr. Knights hockey family.

Ever the character, Ike was never short on jokes. He loved making people laugh and getting a rise out of them. During his years working different shifts at the water treatment plant, he honed in on his cooking skills and became seriously creative in the kitchen. Ike and Fran were married for 51 years until Fran's death on Dec. 3, 2015. His final words to his bride, as he kissed her goodbye, "Alright baby, I'll see you on the other side."

Survivors include his only daughter Judy Snyder of Orlando, FL, grandson Jonah Snyder, a sister Betty Jane Mitchell of Youngstown and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Ike was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers Pete, Robert and Ronald, and sisters Norma Jean Vodhanel and Joann Hoover. His sister Norma Jean Vodhanel passed away on the same day as her brother. It was a beautiful thing that they were able to pass on together.

Funeral arrangements have been made by Allen J. Harden Funeral Home and a mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 20, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church in Mt. Dora, FL. A reception after mass at the church will follow.