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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, he was a son of John and Esther Eaton. On June 23, 1989, in Ellicottville, he married Joan Bennett, who survives.
Mr. Eaton attended Olean Public Schools from 1941 until 1954, where he was active in athletics. He was captain of the football team in 1954 and was subsequently awarded a scholarship to the University of Richmond, where he was honored by being named to the All-State and All-Conference teams in 1955 and 1956. He was the co-captain of the Spiders 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 General Tire and Rubber Co., in Virginia and North Carolina. In 1988 he became employed with Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville as the director of golf and as 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 two daughters, Catherine S. (George) Turner of Crozier, VA, and Elizabeth A. Fitzpatrick of Newport News, VA; two sons, Richard J. (Leslie) Eaton Jr. of Winston-Salem, NC, and Christopher C. Eaton of Naples; a stepdaughter, Mindee Beth (Christopher) Mutty of Orchard Park, NY; two stepsons, Jeffrey (Vikky) McIntosh of Springfield, VA; and James B. McIntosh of Ontario, NY; six grandchildren, Amanda Eaton, Amelia Eaton, Ryan Eaton, Loren Fitzpatrick, Christopher Eaton and Sarah Eaton; four step-grandchildren, Elise Mutty, Vivian Mutty, Xavier McIntosh and Chase McIntosh; a sister, Beverly M. (Gary) Rathburn of Friendship; 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 a.m. at Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean.
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 & Hospice, 1225 W. State St., Olean, NY 14760.
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