Obituary of Richard Eaton

Richard J. Eaton, Sr. Salamanca, NY Richard J. Eaton, Sr. of 24 Bliss St. died Tuesday (June 1, 2010) in his home after a long battle with cancer. Born March 6, 1937 in Olean, NY he was the son of John and Esther Eaton. On June 23, 1989 in Ellicottville, NY he married Joan Bennett who survives. Mr. Eaton attended Olean Public Schools from 1941 until 1954 where he was active in athletics. He was the captain of the football team in 1954 and was subsequently awarded a football scholarship to the University of Richmond where he was honored by being named to the All-State and the All-Conference teams in 1955 and 1956. He was the co-captain of the "Spider" team during his senior year in 1959 and was also a member of the golf team in 1956 and 1957. His early working years were spent with the General Tire and Rubber Co. in Virginia and North Carolina. In 1988 he became employed with Holiday Valley Resort as the Director of Golf and as the Retail Sales Manager. He especially enjoyed playing and teaching golf to thousands of students. After retirement in 2001 he continued teaching golf, having achieved the rank of Level IV Master Teaching Professional and examiner. He also conducted certification courses for the United States Golf Teachers Federation. He recently established and served as president of the Richard J. Eaton Foundation for Men's Cancer Awareness, Research and Cures. Surviving besides his wife are 2 daughters Catherine S. (George) Turner of Crozier, VA and Elizabeth A. Fitzpatrick of Newport News, VA; 2 sons Richard J. (Leslie) Eaton, Jr. of Winston Salem, NC and Christopher C. Eaton of Naples, NY; 1 step daughter Mindee Beth (Christopher) Mutty of Orchard Park, NY; 2 stepsons Jeffery (Vikky) McIntosh of Springfield, VA and James B. McIntosh of Ontario, NY; 6 grandchildren Amanda Eaton, Amelia Eaton, Ryan Eaton, Loren Fitzpatrick, Christopher Eaton, Sarah Eaton; 4 step grandchildren Elise Mutty, Vivian Mutty, Xavier McIntosh and Chase McIntosh; 1 sister Beverly M. (Gary) Rathbun of Friendship, NY, a brother-in-law John (Peggy) Bennett of Mason, OH and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and a son-in-law Kelly Fitzpatrick in 1998. There will be no prior visitation. Friends are invited to a Remembrance Service to be held Saturday (June 5, 2010) at 10:00am in the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean, NY. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Richard J. Eaton Foundation C/O Five Star Bank 129 N. Union St. Olean, NY 14760 or to Homecare and Hospice 1225 W. State St. Olean, NY 14760.