Eleanor O'Bryan Runkle

Eleanor O’Bryan Runkle, 60, of Marblehead, Massachusetts, passed away on February 3, 2026, after a brief illness, with her loving husband by her side. She was born on November 10, 1965, in Corning, New York to the late Joseph and Nancy O’Bryan. In 1991, she married the love of her life, Scott Runkle.

Growing up in Corning, Eleanor attended Carter Elementary, Corning Free Academy, and graduated from Corning East High School in 1983. She was a valued member of her high school tennis and swimming teams, earning varsity letters and bringing her signature grit, spirit, and fun. Eleanor made many close friends and took great pride in nurturing these early relationships throughout her life.

A graduate of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Eleanor majored in marketing and was an active member of Alpha Phi Gamma. She met Scott during junior year, and four years after graduating, they married on the beautiful grounds of the Knoll in Corning.

Eleanor had an extraordinary career in fashion retail working for many globally renowned brands. She began as a Buyer for specialty retailer Jordan Marsh and went on to work for Tommy Hilfiger from 1993 to 2000 as an Account Executive. She then joined Ralph Lauren as Vice President of men’s apparel for their Polo Jean’s Company. A natural leader, she went on to become President of Reunion Sportswear. For more than 20 years, Eleanor poured her passion and talents into her career, traveling all over the world to select and buy the latest fashions.

Eleanor was a devoted wife, aunt, and dog-mom whose soul loved New York City, and whose heart was at home in Marblehead. She had a true gift for entertaining and creating magical moments by bringing together just the right mix of ambience, delicious food, and sparkling company. She loved attending Broadway shows, discovering new restaurants, and taking long walks around NYC’s Battery Park, Marblehead’s Riverhead Beach, or anywhere her beautiful labrador pups could roam or swim.

She was a cherished friend and “chosen aunt" to many of her friend’s children. Her energetic, thoughtful, and upbeat texts filled with colorful emojis will be greatly missed. Eleanor will always be remembered for her enveloping hugs, infectious laugh, and generous spirit. Most of all, she will be remembered for the deep love she poured into those fortunate enough to know her.

Eleanor’s passions were many. An avid New Englander, she loved the Patriots, fresh lobster, good champagne, and sunset walks along the water. She treasured and collected

Carder and Steuben glass from Corning. Always a cheerleader, Eleanor loved attending matches and cheering on her “chosen children” in volleyball, lacrosse, basketball, theater, and dance.

She is survived by her husband Scott of 35 years, beautiful black lab Milee, mother-in-law Sheila Runkle, niece Emily Harouz, and nephew Zachary Cauchon. In addition to her parents, Eleanor is predeceased by her adoring brother John O’Bryan, sister-in-law Kelly Cauchon, and her precious labs Madison, Isabel, and Lexi.

Though no memorial services will be held, those wishing to honor her memory may make a donation to Marblehead Animal Shelter (marblehead-animal-shelter.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).