Thomas Joseph Eckstein, age 78, passed away at his home in Clearwater, Florida, on January 17, 2017. The son of Lawrence J. and Helen G. Fitzsimmons Eckstein, Tom was born March 24, 1938 in Indianapolis.

Tom was a 1956 graduate of Cathedral High School and Xavier University in 1960. Tom had a variety of careers. He began as an accountant at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. He retired in 1993 after 30 years of service from Eli Lilly and Company. At the same time, Tom was also a part owner of the Carmel Ice Skadium. Following his retirement from Lilly''s, Tom became co-owner of Stirling - Gerber Funeral Home for 10 years. In 2004, he moved to the Caribbean island of Vieques, where he owned a jeep rental business. He returned to the U.S. and settled in Safety Harbor, Florida. While there he was employed by Elizabeth Limousine, where he became friends with many celebrities visiting Tampa, particularly those from Home Shopping Network.

Tom is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Karen Eckstein and Michael B. Evans; brother-in-law, Robert Kirkhoff; nephews, Jim Evans, Mike Kirkhoff, Jeff Kirkhoff, Kevin Kirkhoff, Mark Kirkhoff and David Evans, and nieces, Marni Kirkhoff Fey and Christie Evans Foster, and 18 great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his spouse, William K. Eiland and his sister, Susann Eckstein Kirkhoff.

Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. January 27, 2017 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home - 1977 South State Road 135, Greenwood. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:00 a.m. January 28th at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Daystar Life Center, 6751 West Gulf to Lake Highway Crystal River, Florida, 34429.

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