New Stanton mayor Ronald Echard, dead at 68, remembered for civic involvement
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When visitors and residents in New Stanton admire the town’s new holiday lights this year, in large part, they’ll have Ron Echard to thank.
Echard, who most recently served as mayor, is credited as a driving force behind the planned holiday display — along with his wife, Linda, who serves on borough council.
“Ron obtained the lights from other municipalities, and council had our public works department renovate those lights,” Linda Echard said. “He was all about trying to do the best for the town without causing us to have budget issues.”
Ronald L. Echard’s first term as mayor was cut short Saturday Sept. 5, 2020,when he died suddenly, at age 68. Born April 28, 1952, in Greensburg, he was a son of the late Emery W. and Elizabeth (Poorman) Echard.
A lifelong resident of New Stanton, Echard retired as Westmoreland County’s fleet manager in 2016. He previously was co-owner of Perry Auto Parts in Perryopolis and Youngwood Auto Parts. He also managed the Dutch Kettle and Keg Restaurant in New Stanton. All of that experience came to bear when he was elected mayor in 2017.
“He really loved New Stanton,” said Jeff McLaughlin, borough manager. “The first thing he wanted to do when he had more time on his hands was to run for the position of mayor and give back to the community.”
Echard had an advisory role in the borough’s budget process. “He would attend all the budget meetings. He would help make sure we were keeping costs in line,” McLaughlin said.
Known for his gentle demeanor, Echard combined his efforts with his wife’s to start a local farmers market. This spring, as a way to keep up community morale during the coronavirus pandemic, he challenged residents to create rainbow-themed yard displays and asked them to take part in a statewide bell-ringing event, to recognize first responders and frontline workers during the health crisis.
“You could always count on him to be the one to lift your spirits and make you feel better,” Linda Echard said of her husband of 46 years.
Echard took computer courses at Westmoreland County Community College to stay current with advances in technology. A past governor of the Perryopolis Loyal Order of Moose, he was a member of Holy Cross Church in Youngwood and warden of the Gilbert Straub Council of the Knights of Columbus.
He enjoyed his pet dogs and joined with his daughter, Elizabeth, in restoring and showing a 1957 Mustang convertible.
“On the weekends, we would work on it,” she recalled. “We would touch up the paint. We would go to a lot of local shows.”
Echard would loan the car for local parades, and he took on the role of Santa at a holiday party for children.
“I never realized how many people he touched until his passing,” his wife said.
In addition to his wife and daughter, Echard is survived by an aunt, Sara Giron of Greensburg; a brother-in-law, Albert (Cindy) Morgan of Uniontown; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the C. Richard McCauley Funeral Home, 101 S. Fourth St., Youngwood. Only 25 people will be permitted in the funeral home at a time; masks and social distancing will be required. The Rosary will be recited at 3:45 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday in Holy Cross Church, Youngwood. Interment will follow in Greensburg Catholic Cemetery.