In Memoriam: Charles E. Eaton, 1933-2023
He was a former co-owner of Thompson, Eaton & Boyden, in Brockton
Charles E. Eaton, aged 90, of Parkland, FL, formerly of Brockton, MA, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2023. He was predeceased by his parents, Ruth Evans Eaton and John A. Eaton, Jr. He left behind a long-term partner, Gail Franzen, a devoted son, Evan (Erica) Eaton, granddaughter, Eva, loving siblings John “Jack” Eaton and Joan Duesing, several nieces and former wife, Vigdis Kemmitt.
Upon graduating from Brockton HS in 1951, where Chuck was a three-sport athlete; playing football, baseball and basketball, he entered Virginia Military Institute. After graduation in 1955, he served two years in the U. S. Army achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He then joined his father, John A. Eaton, Jr., in the family insurance business of Thompson, Eaton & Boyden, in Brockton, MA. He was joined by his brother Jack in 1965. Together they ran the business successfully until 1998 when the agency was merged with Cushman Insurance of Brockton. He cherished having daily coffee with his brother to discuss work affairs before heading to the office. Following his professional life, he retired to the Vero Beach, FL area.
Chuck was a long-time member of the Thorny Lea Golf Club, the YMCA and the Brockton Rotary Club.
Chuck was a talented 10 pin bowler and for many years he penned the very popular “Kegler’s Korner,” which appeared weekly in the Brockton Enterprise. He was passionate about physical fitness and health and dedicated most of his free time to maintaining a high level of physical conditioning.
When there was a difficult problem to solve, Chuck was the man to call. He had the ability to solve a problem immediately and efficiently. For Chuck, the word procrastination did not exist. He was a wonderful listener and had a special ability to give kind and valuable advice.
More than anything, Chuck was a dedicated and loving father to his son, Evan, providing encouragement and inspiration to pursue his chosen interests. At age 87, Chuck’s life lit up when he became a grandfather to Eva Grace. Chuck loved his family and will be deeply missed.
