Roger R. Eaton

1946 - 2026

Roger R. Eaton
"Loving uncle & friend"
Roger R. Eaton, 79, of Watertown, CT, departed this earth on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Waterbury Hospital with a dear friend by his side.
Roger was born in New Haven, CT on September 21, 1946, son of the late Raymond and Rita Eaton. He attended Hamden High School, but by his own admission he usually "ditched" school to go play music with his friends. Music was Roger's greatest passion. A talented bassist, he played with many local bands and toured the country with others. He joined the legendary band the Blues Magoos, a pioneering American rock group that rose to national prominence in the 1960s and helped shape the psychedelic and blues-rock sound of the era. Being part of such an iconic band was a source of immense pride and joy for Roger, and music remained a constant and meaningful presence throughout his life.
After several years of touring in bands, Roger decided on a different path. "I'm going to get me some smarts" he said and went on to get his GED and a degree in electrical engineering at the University of New Haven. Roger's new career path took him to Bristol Babcock in Watertown, CT, where he proceeded to write software for the pipeline industry throughout North and South America.
Roger enjoyed many interests, camping, kayaking, hiking, fly fishing and most of all after his retirement he started bicycling with a friend. In his first year he rode over 1,000 miles. When lung cancer robbed him of the ability to climb hills, he put his engineering skills to work and built two E-bikes before they became commercially available. During Covid Roger became an expert in making sourdough bread. Not only will we miss Roger, but we're also going to miss the bread.
Roger was a voracious reader and a huge fan of the library system. At the time of his passing, he was a member of the Watertown Library Board. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Watertown Library.
Roger leaves to honor and cherish his memory his nieces Jennifer Paul of Clinton, CT, Dawn Luddy of Shelton CT, his nephews Robert Barrett of Yachats, OR, Jeff Hardy of Branford CT and his friend Betsy Neale-Siemon of Litchfield, CT, and many grandnieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Barrett.
Arrangements: All services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Brookside Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 200 Benson Road, Middlebury has been entrusted with Roger's arrangements.
For more info or send an on-line condolence, please visit www.brooksidememorial.com