Donald “Don” Henry Eckloff, 80, of Cranford and Long Beach Island, passed away on August 18, 2023 after battling respiratory failure and aspiration pneumonia. Don was raised in Hillside and Kenilworth, NJ and moved to Cranford over 50 years ago. Don and his wife, Ellen, were married 58 years and have two children, Mary Beth and Don as well as four wonderful grandchildren: Garrett, Daniel, Ryan and Cristina. Don grew up loving adventure and would often talk about sailing in the Bahamas, trips taken with friends and family, weekends at Swartswood Lake and amazing trips across North America. He loved his friends and family especially his grandkids, his dogs and boats, McDonald’s milkshakes and Ferrara’s Bakery in LBI. Don has always been the proud owner/operator of Star Metal Products in Linden, NJ. Over the years, he has remained passionate about his company including inventing and fabricating steel parts found in use throughout the United States. Don was always a proud graduate of Lincoln Technical School and being a Tool and Die maker as well as having created multiple patents. Over the last few years, Don has battled multiple illnesses. With loving support of his wife Ellen, he was able to spend time at the shore enjoying his favorite things: watching the boats on the bay, admiring the beautiful sunsets and being with friends and family- especially the grandkids. He always had a wink and a sparkle of those blue eyes that brightened any room. He will be truly missed. Our sincerest thanks to the amazing teams at Overlook Hospital and Spring Grove Rehab Center for providing kind and compassionate care. Memorial service will be on September 9, 2023 from 2-6 pm. In lieu of flowers, Don would have loved donations to be made to the Autism Society or St. Huberts Animal Rescue.