Bruce W. Eaton

The family of Bruce W. Eaton is deeply saddened to announce Bruce’s sudden passing on February 28, 2022.  Bruce was born in Southington, Connecticut on April 11, 1948 and most recently lived at Immanuel House in Hartford.  He graduated from Bristol Eastern High School in 1967, proudly wearing number 78 for the BEHS football team, The Lancers.  Bruce served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1970-1971 and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina with his then wife, Judy.

Bruce was affectionately known as Brother Bru, Uncle Brucie and Papa Bear.  He managed and owned restaurants in Bristol, founded Bear Maintenance, and retired as the sexton at Bethany Covenant Church in Berlin where he was a faithful member.  His hobbies included golf, bowling and karaoke (always the life of the party).  Bruce loved driving all around Connecticut, especially to Bradley Airport (although he didn’t like to fly), to the banks of the Connecticut River and down to the old Savin Rock area in West Haven.

Bruce was predeceased by his parents, Bruce C. Eaton and Dorothy Eaton; his brother, Michael Eaton; his sister, Christine Eaton; and his second wife, Dorothy “Dottie” Eaton.

Bruce is survived by his son, Daniel Eaton of New Smyrna Beach, FL; his grandsons, Daniel Eaton and David Eaton; his sisters, Dawn Eaton of New York City and Charlotte Edenfield (Mark Edenfield) of Tallahassee FL; his niece, Jessica Long, (Todd Blanchette) of Terryville, CT; his great niece, Ashley Long of Terryville; and his beloved kitty, Luna . He will also be missed by many members of Dottie’s family including Danielle & Luis Rivera and Marc LeDuc.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Brookdale Chatfield and Immanuel House for the wonderful care they provided the last few years of Bruce’s life.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on April 19th at Bethany Covenant Church, Berlin.  Interment will follow the service in the church’s Memorial Garden.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bethany Covenant Church, the Connecticut Humane Society or your favorite charity.