Francis T. "Tom" Eaton

September 15, 1937 - August 24, 2018

Shirley: CSM Francis T. “Tom” Eaton, USA (ret) 80, of Shirley, died Friday, August 24, 2018 at his home. Mr. Eaton was born in York, Maine, September 15, 1937, one of six children born to Roger Q.M. and Madeline (McDonough) Eaton and grew up in the Portsmouth and Weare, NH areas. He has resided in the Shirley area for over 45 years. For nearly 30 years Mr. Eaton served his country in the United States Army. His assignments included 14 months in Vietnam with the 196th Light Infantry Division, 4 tours in Germany and a year in Turkey before retiring in 1985 at the rank of Command Sergeant Major. During his career he was awarded many Commendations including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Six Good Conduct Medals, Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medal. Following his retirement from the armed services, Mr. Eaton managed a recycling plant in Billerica as well as assisting his wife in her tailoring business, American Tailors, in Ayer. He enjoyed watching sports and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Throughout his retirement he enjoyed watching his grandchildren sporting events, dance and theatre events. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame Football, Boston Red Sox, Boston College and NCAA Basketball. Tom very much enjoyed the time he spent with his beloved bulldogs. He leaves his wife of 56 years, Patricia J. (Fosher) Eaton; two sons, Gerald A. Eaton and his wife, Casey, Michael T. Eaton and his fiance’, Amy Gould all of Acton; his daughter, Penny L. McCabe and her husband, James, of Littleton; eight grandchildren, Michael, Riley, Colin, Tommy, Molly, Maeve, Ronan, Kaelyn and a great granddaughter, Harper. He was predeceased by four brothers, Henry Eaton, Robert Eaton, Walter Eaton, Sidney Eaton all of NH and a sister, Peggy Mazeko of CT. Funeral services and burial are private. Memorial contributions may be made to Mass General Cancer Fund c/o Russ Jenkins MD,PHD, 55 Fruit Street, Yawkey 7E-7302, Boston, MA 02114. The Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Rd., Ayer is assisting the family with arrangements.