OBITUARY: Donald C. Eaton, 90

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Donald C. Eaton, age 90, a life-long resident of Wilmington, passed away after a brief cancer diagnosis.

Donald was born on July 25, 1931, in Wilmington, MA; he was the cherished son of the late Elmer W. Eaton, Sr. and Margaret (Copley) Eaton. Donald was raised in Wilmington on Ballardvale Street and attended Wilmington Public Schools.

Donald enlisted in the United States Army on August 21, 1952, in Boston, MA. He served during the Korean War earning the National Service Medal. Donald was honorably discharged as a Corporal on August 6, 1954 and returned home to his family.

When Donald returned to Wilmington, he met up with a former classmate, Marie C. Dec. They started dating and were married on February 18, 1956, at St. Thomas Church followed by a reception at Grange Hall. Donald and Marie settled in Wilmington, where they raised their two children, Judy and Donald, Jr. “Skip”. Donald was a very “hands on” Dad; he enjoyed playing games with the kids, especially dodgeball and baseball. He spent quality time teaching them valuable life lessons about kindness and generosity.

Donald was employed by the Tewksbury State Hospital in Tewksbury for forty-four years. He held many positions, but he was best known for his transportation position, which he loved. Donald was a “people person”; he was very well-respected and made many friendships with co-workers and patients.

Donald loved sports, especially the Red Sox; he was their biggest fan. Donald watched countless games since the 1930’s, but he was thrilled to be able to see the Red Sox play in three World Series. Donald was a baseball coach for several years; he coached the neighborhood kids and the Tewksbury Hospital Women’s softball league. He was fortunate enough to coach his wife, Marie, and several of her nurse friends. Donald was still playing baseball just recently; he loved to play with his great-granddaughter, Molly.

Family was so important to Donald; he was the most loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather. Donald adored Marie; they had a special bond and a wonderful life together. Donald loved to “take care” of those he loved. He was a terrific cook and prepared many meals for the family. He spent a lot of time out in his yard gardening, mowing the lawn and shoveling.

Donald will be remembered as a kind, generous and loving man. He was known as a great “tipper” when he went out to dinner; he appreciated a great server and didn’t mind showing his appreciation. Donald will be missed by his loving family, but they will remember him for all the joy he brought to their lives.

The Eaton family would like to express their sincere thanks to the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers for all of their care and compassion during this most difficult time.

Donald was the beloved husband of 65 years of Marie C. (Dec) Eaton, devoted father of Judith Haas & her late husband Thomas of Harrison, ME and Donald C. “Skip” Eaton, Jr. of Wilmington, loving “Papa” of Jennifer Norris & her husband Brian of Newburyport, “Great-Papa” of Molly, cherished son of the late Elmer W. Eaton, Sr., and Margaret (Copley) Eaton, dear brother of Nancy Eaton of Salem, NH, the late Warren Calvin Eaton, Elmer W. “Babe” Eaton, Jr. & his late wife Anna and Maynard C. “Red” Eaton, brother-in-law of the late John Campbell. Donald is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Donald will be private.

Memorial donations in Donald’s name may be made to Local Heroes, PO Box 536, Wilmington, MA 01887 or by paying it forward with an act of kindness; he would have loved that.