Quechee, VT – Carmen C. Eccher, 71, died Friday, July 17, 2020, at his friend's home in White River Jct., VT. He was born September 13, 1948 in Hanover, NH , the son of Girardo "Jerry" C. and Amy M. (Manchester) Eccher.

Carmen grew up on Saunders Avenue in White River Jct., VT. After graduating from Hartford High School in 1967, he enlisted in the US Army.  He served in the Army for three years, including two tours of duty in Vietnam.  After his honorable discharge from the Army, he took a job at New Jersey Machine Company in Lebanon, NH, where he worked for over thirty years.

Carmen really enjoyed the outdoors, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was extremely proud of once catching a beautiful 30-pound trout at Lake Willoughby in Vermont.  He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW in White River Jct., and served as past president of the Veterans' Council.   Carmen was also the Commander of American Legion Post 26 for several years. He was one of the volunteers that went to the local cemeteries to place American Flags on Veteran's graves for Memorial Day. In his retirement years, Carmen enjoyed spending winters in his Naples, FL home, where he continued his passion for fishing.

He was predeceased by his parents, as well as by his longtime companion Mary M. Packard, who passed away this past December while wintering in Florida.

Carmen is survived by his sister Tina M. (Eccher) Brown and brother-in-law Richard Brown, of Moneta, VA; a niece Briana A. Brown of Arlington, VA; his dear Aunt Nina Eccher of Pittsfield, MA, and many cousins. He is also survived by his first and final love, and incredibly devoted friend, Patricia "Pat" A. Conley of White River Jct., and her daughter Tina Marie Smith-White of White River Jct., who held a special place in Carmen's heart.

A service with Military Honors will be held Wednesday, July 22, at 1PM in the Chapel at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, VT. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2571, P.O. Box 283, White River Jct., VT 05001.

The Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be made in an online guest book at www.knightfuneralhomes.com