John H. Eckstein Jr., a retired assistant supervisor for the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation and a World War II veteran, died of a heart attack Friday at his Catonsville home. He was 78.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Mr. Eckstein graduated from Southern High School in 1943. He was soon drafted into the Army and saw action in the South Pacific with an engineering company.

After his return home, he attended the University of Baltimore and in 1950 earned a degree in accounting. He became a tax assessor for the city of Baltimore, and served as an executive board member and president of the Maryland Association of Assessing Officers.

In 1970, he was offered a supervisory position with the state agency and remained there until his retirement in 1988.

Mr. Eckstein was active in the Catonsville Recreation Council, serving as president and treasurer. He was also involved in the Boy Scouts and sports teams, and was a former treasurer and president of the Catonsville Cotillon social club.

Mr. Eckstein was a 32nd degree Mason, holding memberships in Palestine Lodge No. 189, Howard Lodge No. 101 and Order of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 20. At his death, he was president of the Masons' Newberg Holding Co. in Catonsville.

An avid sports fan, Mr. Eckstein was in attendance at the legendary Baltimore Colts 1958 championship game in New York, and in recent years followed the Ravens. His hobbies included gardening, philately, woodworking, bridge and organizing reunions with those who served with him in the Army.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Catonsville United Methodist Church, 6 Melvin Ave.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, the former Madeline Betty; three daughters, Susan Eckstein of Baltimore, Barbara Eckstein-Barlage of Ocean Ridge, Fla., and Mimi Evenson of Ellicott City; a son, Jay Eckstein of Ellicott City; and six grandchildren.