Virginia Beach, VA  –  Navy Captain Thomas R Eckert (Retired USNA), a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025 in Virginia Beach, VA. He was 85 years old.

“Tommy” as called by his mother was born in Jersey City, NJ on February 2, 1940 and grew up in River Edge, NJ with his two brothers George and Carl. Football and baseball were his first loves but he gained a third when he began dating his high school sweetheart, Joan Gatti, at Hackensack High School. Tom attended the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, MD, graduating in 1961 with “Joanie” close by at Goucher College. It was shortly after graduation from USNA that on June 18, 1961 they married and began their 57 years of marriage together building a family, including many relocations thanks to the military, ultimately landing permanently in Virginia Beach. Tom was preceded in death by his dearest Joan on Mother’s Day of 2018.

During his 23-year distinguished military career as a submariner, Tom served as Ensign, July 1961; Lt. Jr. Grade, July 1962; Lieutenant, March 1965; Lieutenant Commander, July 1969; Commander, July 1976; Captain, September 1982, and retired in October of 1984. Captain Eckert served as the Commanding Officer of the USS Grayling (SSN-646) submarine from January 1978 to August 1981 during the very height of the Cold War, a time when there was significant buildup of nuclear weapons and a fierce competition in military technology, including submarine warfare between Russia and the U.S.

Upon retirement and after receiving his Masters from George Washington University, Tom assumed the responsibilities of payroll and maintenance for Baylake Pines School, the family business until its closing in 2014.

Tom is survived by his three daughters: Kimberly Failon (Brian), Susan Noaksson, and Elizabeth Sorrell (Bryan). He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren: Kathryn Failon; Caroline Failon; Erik Noaksson (Ashley); Alexis Noaksson; Nicholas Failon; Ethan Sorrell; and Austin Sorrell. Special thanks to longtime family friends, Lawrence and Annette Knight, for their support and care of Tom in his final years.

Tom loved telling and retelling his fishing stories of ole. In fact, he loved hearing all fishing stories and listened with great relish, living vicariously in his later years when his health kept him from getting out in the boat. He was the keenest nature watcher and could spot any hawk, hummingbird, fox, possum etc. on his property before anyone else could. He loved his puzzles and his crossword puzzles and could always be heard asking “Do you know a word for 21 down?”

There will be a private service, but the family asks that when you are near the water, that you remember our “seaman” Capt. Eckert, Tom, Dad, Grandpop or Pop. The sea was always a place that he loved and felt most at peace, and it will be a place to which he returns.

Cremation Society of Virginia, Chesapeake Office, is assisting the family.  Friends and family may share online condolences and memories at www.vacremationsociety.com