David H. Eaton, age 89, entered into eternal life on October 18, 2013. He was born in Springfield, MA on February 16, 1924.
He served in the Armed Services in Europe during WW II and later graduated from Denison University in Ohio on the GI Bill. He was ordained a Congregational Minister after completing his studies at Union Theological Seminary in NYC where he studied under Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Paul Tillich. Later he received his Doctorate of Divinity from Andover-Newton Theology Seminary in Boston. He served for 25 years as a Congregational parish minister. In 1973, David Eaton became the first Chaplain at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, CT where he ministered for 13 years. During that time he formed the New England College of Chaplains and was the founding member of the CT Association for Jungian Psychology and was a Diplomate of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. Eaton later went into private counseling where he encouraged people to find their own path and passion. A healing, transforming encounter was always David Eaton’s goal.
David Eaton is survived by his loving wife, Josie, a brother Reverend William S. Eaton (Mary); 2 sons Kenneth Eaton (Patricia); and Roger Eaton (Donna); a daughter Catherine Fears (Greg); 3 stepsons Bruce Becker; Stephen Becker (Therese) and Robert Becker(Debora); several grandchildren and one great grandchilc. He was predeceased by his stepdaughter, Lynn.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, October 23 from 5 to 7pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 24, at 11am at Christ Episcopal Church, 7 Elm Street, Westerly RI. Burial will follow in Stonington Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the David Eaton Memorial Fund at Christ Church, 7 Elm Street, Westerly RI 02891.
To share a message of condolence or remembrance with his family, please click the link below.