Lee Wade Eichelberger

February 9, 1927 - October 5, 2018

Lee Wade Eichelberger passed away on October 5, 2018 in Alameda. Born in Fresno, CA in 1927, he moved to Oakland in 1932 and lived in Alameda since 1952. Lee was predeceased by his wife, Donna “Jean” Casey and is survived by his children, Dennis (Lori), Marilyn Leedom (Bob -deceased), Susan Broughton (Bill), Peter (Libbi) and many grandchildren.

Lee served in the US Navy prior to attending UC Berkeley (Civil Engineering). His engineering career included a combined 34 years for Alameda and Union City, and 11 years with Doric Development.

His interests included folk dancing for over 50 years and the Alameda Little Theatre (board member for 33 years).

Lee joined Island Judo/ Jujitsu as a student of Professor Wally Jay in 1966, receiving his first black belt in 1971 and received the title of professor in 1988. He achieved a 10th degree black belt in Kodenkan Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, while also receiving high level black belts in Small Circle Jujitsu and Judo.

He founded Alameda Small Circle Jujitsu Club to honor Professor Wally Jay and spent many years teaching. He was inducted into the US Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Jujitsu Grandmaster of the Year in 2011.

His lifetime memberships included: UC Berkeley Alumni Association, Masonic Association, Alameda Little Theatre and Jujitsu America.

Services will be held Saturday, Oct 13, 2018 at 10am at Alameda Funeral & Cremation, 1415 Oak St. Alameda, CA. Private entombment, Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice. For further information please call: Harry W. Greer, Funeral Director (FDR-745), Alameda Funeral and Cremation Services, 510-522-6020.