Richard E. Eaton

ORANGE – Richard E. Eaton, 79, of 383 East River Street, died peacefully Friday afternoon, March 4th with his family at his side, in Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

He was born in Gardner on June 7, 1936, son of the late Everett and Geraldine (Truman) Eaton and grew up in South Gardner, where he attended Prospect Street School.  After his family moved to Phillipston, he attended Phillipston Elementary School and graduated in 1954 from Athol High School.  During his high school years, Dick worked at Red Apple Farm and First National Store in Athol.

He and his five brothers served in the military.  Following his high school graduation, Dick served in the United States Army, serving 4 years in Germany and later served in the Army Reserve.  Following his discharge, Dick worked as a drill grinder at UTD in Athol until it closed and later worked for several years at S. Bent Brothers Furniture Co. in Gardner until his retirement at age 62.

Dick was a member of Honor Guard on the VFW in Athol and participated in its marching band in parades.  He had been a member of Phillipston Fire Department as an EMT and firefighter.  Dick enjoyed golfing and bowling, hiking trails at Quabbin Reservoir with his nephew Glenn, taking rides to Vermont every fall with his sister Rosalie and brother Bob, watching Antique Road Show and cooking Sunday dinners for family.  His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family, who loved him dearly.

He leaves three brothers, Kenneth Eaton of VA, Douglas Eaton of Fitchburg and David Eaton of Illinois; three sisters, Helen Babcock of South Boston, Marguerite Eaton of Brockton and Rosalie Tallman of Phillipston and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.  Three brothers, Everett Eaton, Roger Eaton and Robert Eaton predeceased him.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 11th at 2 P.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.  The Rev. Jacqueline Babcock and the Rev. Stephanie Flynn will participate.  A calling hour will precede the funeral Friday from 1 to 2 P.M.

Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Gardner.

Memorial donations may be made to Grace and Hope Mission, 119 No. George St., York, PA 17401 or to Phillipston Congregational Church, 62 The Common RR1, Phillipston, MA 01331-9805.

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