William Eckfeld

William Eckfeld, 74, of White Plains, New York, passed away on January 17, 2026. He was born on June 19, 1951.

Bill lived a life shaped by music, teaching, and dedication. For more than four decades, he influenced students, audiences, and fellow musicians through his work as a teacher, composer, performer, and mentor.

As orchestra director at White Plains High School from 1987 until his retirement in 2013, he built a program known for both musical excellence and deep personal encouragement. Students remember him not only for his high standards and sense of humor, but for the patience and support he gave to every young musician who walked into his classroom.

A prolific composer, Bill wrote works performed by the Excelsior Symphony Orchestra and by his own chamber group, Trio D'Été. A skilled pianist and organist, he served for many years as organist at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Rochelle, New York. His musical education included studying composition with Samuel Adler at the Eastman School of Music, with Karl Haidmeier in Austria, and with John Corigliano Jr. in New York.

His leadership extended beyond the classroom. He served as president of the Greater Westchester Youth Orchestras Association and the Westchester County School Music Association, always advocating for music education and opportunities for young performers. Earlier in his career, during the 1970s, he performed as a double bassist with both the Rochester Philharmonic and the Dallas Symphony.

Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Bill was known as a generous man, widely admired for his musical talents and his willingness to share them. In everyday life, he was known for his dedication to the musicians around him and for the steady presence he brought to every room.

Outside of formal work, music never left him-he loved conducting, composing, and staying involved with multiple orchestras throughout his life. He fueled much of this work with an impressive amount of black coffee, which he loved and drank in great quantity. He also deeply loved his dog, Annie, who was a constant and beloved companion.

Bill is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Rebecca; his son Evan and daughter-in-law Liz; and his sister Barbara Osumi and her husband Eugene of Spokane, Oregon.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 20 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Ballard-Durand Funeral Home, 21 Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne, NY 10532.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paws Crossed Animal Shelter, in honor of Bill's love for animals, especially his beloved Annie.

Bill leaves behind a legacy not only in the music he wrote and performed, but in the countless lives he shaped through teaching, generosity, and devotion to his art. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.