Obituary of Jerry M. Eaton

Jerry M. Eaton "Beloved husband, father and grandfather" Cuba, NY Jerry M. Eaton of 10 Stevens Ave., formerly of Allegany, passed away unexpectedly Sunday (November 1, 2015) at his home, lovingly cared for by his family during his recent illness. Born December 31, 1939 in Allegany he was the son of Merle and Lorraine Eaton. He was married to Sandra Boser Watson who survives. Jerry was a graduate of Allegany High School where he excelled at sports, especially basketball, and was honored with his name upon the school's Wall of Fame. He graduated from Alfred State College and later from Florida Southern University. He also did some post-graduate studies at the University of Rochester. Alfred State College inducted him into its Hall of Fame as a member of the 1959 men's basketball team, which was the first Region III championship in school history. He first worked for NASA before pursuing a career in teaching. He was a physics and mathematics teacher at Olean High School and later for Allegany High School and Allegany-Limestone High School for a span of 43 years. While at Allegany he was a longtime basketball coach for both the girl and boy's teams. His students will remember him for always having his heart one hundred percent in his teaching and coaching. In his retirement he loved spending Tuesday mornings with the coffee guys. He also loved hunting, blackberry picking, being in the woods, woodworking, fishing and scuba diving. He was devoted to his dog, his "BFF" Izzy. His principal love was his family. They include his wife Sandee; 5 daughters Jennifer Berg of Olean, Marie Watson of Portville, Libby (Adam) Wojciechowski of Cuba, Laura Watson of Portville and Dr. Clair Watson of Allegany; 9 grandchildren Christian Watson, Joshua Watson, Jonah Watson, Caleb Watson, Bryn Watson, Ellen Rumsey, Clayton Rumsey, Hannah Watson and Alexander Arabatzis and his "extended" grandkids, Ande, Sophie, and Joseph Wojciechowski. Jean Clancy, his wife from a former marriage, also survives him. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a son Milton J. Watson, Jr. in 2000. Friends will be received on Wednesday from 1-4 & 7-9pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. A memorial mass will be held Thursday (November 5, 2015) at 9:30am at St. Bonaventure Church, Rev. James Vacco, OFM, pastor, will be the celebrant. Memorials may be made to the Milton J. Watson Scholarship Fund, C/O Office of College Advancement, Paul Smiths College, PO Box 265, Paul Smiths, NY 12970. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.