Gerald Eaton, 76, affectionately known as Jerry, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 11, 2024 following a cardiac event. Jerry was born on June 4, 1947 in Yonkers, NY the only child to Leonard and Jane Eaton. Jerry was raised in Norwood and was a graduate of Norwood High School, class of 1966 and Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology.
Jerry leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Rachel (Holman) Eaton, whom he met in the 6th grade while growing up in Norwood. He is also survived by his daughter, Rebecca Babb and her husband John of Norwood and his son, Gregory Eaton of Whitman. His greatest joy was being a loving “Gramps” to Lucas and Nicholas Babb, of Norwood. He is pre-deceased by his parents.
For 30 years, Jerry proudly served as a Reservist for the United States Army in the 1173rd TTU unit in Boston, including serving two tours of active duty during Operation Desert Storm. He also worked in various roles for the Department of Defense for 30 years and was Vice President of the AFGE Union Local #1900. Jerry was the proud owner of Eaton Graphics, in Whitman for over 10 years. Bringing his career full circle, Jerry was the Veterans Agent for the Town of Whitman for 7 years until he finally decided retirement was calling his name in 2013.
Jerry was an active member in the community holding positions on the Whitman Board of Appeals, Whitman Hanson Community Access Board of Trustees and The Whitman Republican Town Committee. He was a past District and Post Commander for the Whitman VFW Post #697. In 2020, Jerry became a member of the Puritan Tri Town Masonic Lodge as well as Eastern Star Pilgrim Chapter #89.
Some of Jerry’s favorite moments were spending time with his family doing the things he loved. He enjoyed camping, traveling and a good game of cribbage. He loved anything that had a steering wheel and an engine, especially cars and boats! He could name the make and model of any car that drove by no matter it’s age. He loved to be out on the water, with the wind blowing as he hit the waves just right to soak the riders at the bow of the boat! He and Gregory shared a love of NASCAR racing, never missing a race. He was a proud grandfather who enjoyed cheering Lucas and Nicholas on at soccer games and encouraging them on their scouting journeys and sharing stories of his younger days during family dinners.
Family and Friends are invited to attend Jerry’s visiting hours on Tuesday, April 16th from 4:00-6:00 PM with a service to follow at 6:00PM at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the Rotary) Whitman, MA. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers and to honor his pride in military service, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project(https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate)
or Disabled American Veterans (https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give).