Obituary of John David Eaton

CHESHIRE- John David Eaton, Sr., died on Wednesday September 23, 2015 at his home. He was born in June 18, 1922 in Winthrop MA, son of the late James and Olive (Clifford) Eaton. He was married to the late Ruth Ann (Buttler) for 52 years. After graduating from Phillip Exeter Academy, Dave was admitted to the US Naval Academy in 1941. He graduated a year early in 1944 to serve as navigator on the USS Wasp aircraft carrier during the final months of the Second World War. He then attended submarine school and served for most of his 30-year career in that branch of the navy. In addition to living in several cities on both coasts of the United States, Dave was also stationed in Rota, Spain. Dave retired in 1974, returning to Connecticut where he took refresher law classes to pass the CT bar. He had earned a law degree from George Washington University while in the Navy, and he was able to use this to begin his second career as a lawyer, first with Connecticut Legal Services and then as the first Executive Director and Legal Counsel of the CT State Ethics Commission. After retiring from the Commission in 1985, David was active as a volunteer with ACLU and Ct NOFA, and he became a member of the State Governing Board of Common Cause. Dave enjoyed travel and people. He went to many Navy reunions for the different ships he served on. He travelled to Tibet, Vietnam, China, Turkey, Peru, and Alaska, with many trips to Spain to see his son’s family. He is survived by his sons, David, Jr. (and wife Marisa) and Curtis, his two granddaughters Rebekah (and husband Mario) and Karen of Madrid, Spain and his great grandson Jaime. He was predeceased by one brother and 3 sisters. Arrangements—Dave will have a private service at the convenience of his family. There are no calling hours. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main Street 06710, is assisting with arrangements. Donations in his name may be made to Common Cause in Connecticut, 65 Hungerford St., Hartford, CT 06106 or http://www.commoncause.org/ct.