Roderic Lewis Eaton, 87

Roderic “Rod” Lewis Eaton, 87, of Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026. He was born on July 4, 1939, in Utica, New York, and grew up in Newfane, New York.

Rod’s early life was marked by hardship and resilience. He was adopted as an infant, and after his adoptive parents died in a car accident, he was placed with Jessie and Blanche Eaton, a foster family who ultimately adopted him. He grew up alongside Sharon and Skip. Jessie and Blanche gave Rod a loving home and instilled in him the strong work ethic and love of education that remained important throughout his life. He went on to attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business and an MBA.

Rod built a long, successful career in financial services, serving as a Vice President at Equitable from 1964 to 1986 and later as a Group Managing Director at TIAA-CREF from 1986 to 2004. He took great pride in his work and traveled extensively throughout his career.

Rod married Barbara Taylor on October 18, 1975 and together raised their daughter, Laura. They shared a happy life together until Barbara passed away in June 2002.

Rod and Mary Briere met in 2005. They developed a beautiful relationship and in 2013 they were happily married until his passing on August 18, 2026.

Family was central to Rod’s life. He was a devoted father and a beloved Papa to his five grandchildren, Siena, Avery, Nathaniel, Benjamin, and Atlas. Rod was a kind and generous man who always saw the good in people. He treasured lifelong friendships and remained close to friends from every chapter of his life.

He loved golf, proudly calling himself a member of the “Bad Golfers Club,” and was a devoted fan of the New York Giants and New York Mets. When the Giants scored a touchdown, his cheers could be heard throughout the house. Rod had a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious laugh that will be deeply missed.

Rod was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in the last couple of years of his life, and the disease progressed significantly during his final year. Even then, he continued to have the same calm, gentle, and kind demeanor that had always been part of who he was.

His accomplishments were many, but his greatest legacy is the love he gave to the people around him. He was a good man who loved his family deeply.

Rod is survived by his wife, Mary Briere Eaton; his daughter, Laura Eaton Curcio (Rob); his stepchildren, Valerie (John), Katherine, and Michael (Brittany); and his five grandchildren, Siena, Avery, Nathaniel, Benjamin, and Atlas. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara, and by siblings Sharon and Skip.

A wake will be held at Lawrence Funeral Home located at 2119 Boston Post Road, Darien, CT on Wednesday, August 26 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at Noroton Presbyterian Church located at 211 Post Road, Darien CT on Thursday, August 27 at 12:00 pm. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Rod’s memory.