John A. Eaton

Lee- John Allen Eaton, lovingly known as “Pep,” passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him. He was the devoted husband of 43 years to Cheryl (Riley), his rock and true partner in life and would always announce "Honey, I'm home!" as a way to remind Cheryl how important she was to him. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and family in their home in Lee, NH. He was born in Amesbury, MA, on December 5, 1962, and the son of the late Richard A. Eaton and Patricia (Mazur) Eaton and grew up in Salisbury, MA and where attended Triton Regional High School. If you had to say what John's most unwavering passion was, it would be "Family." John would always go out of his way, travel near and far to bring family to their home for cookouts. If you weren't family and showed up, you were family on that day, trust me! If you knew him like we all did, he was an amazing and dedicated grandfather to Haley (His Boo!), Elora, Madeline, and Jayden. To say he loved any one of them more than the other, it would be a lie. He was blessed in his later years by Grayson Stutts, his great grandson. Let's not forget his relationship with Madison Nelson, his great niece, Michael Mazur, his great nephew. He did everything in his ability to show the same love as he did for any family member. He was so proud, filled with joy throughout his life by all of them. John has always had "4-legged" children in his life as well and finally had the one he would say was his favorite. He is survived by Shea and they had an inseparable relationship like the ones you read about...Shea misses him daily and dreams of the day they will be reunited. John is survived by many, his brother-in-laws Richard Riley and David Riley and wife Theresa, and their children David, Mathew, and Josephine. He always referred to David and Rich as "my brother" and boy, he meant it. His son-in-law Dylon Stutts, who was not only his partner in work managing the day-to-day, but Dylon also began to fulfill his commitment to the family and later, became more like another son to John. His Auntie "Di" Diane Nelson (Mazur) and his Uncle David P. Mazur. If you asked either of them what John meant to them, it would most likely be "He could walk into any room filled with 100 people or more and could make them all smile just based on his presence alone." His niece Tanya (Nelson) Miele, her husband Rob, and their beautiful daughter Dailyn and "Well, Ya know..." if there was one event John looked forward to every year, it was the Christmas Eve party at their home in Newton, NH. John was a passionate and hardworking business owner which began with a push mower, a trimmer and blower in the back of a pick-up truck. He had always dreamed of the day where he and his [late] son, John "JJ" Allen Eaton, Jr, would establish a reputation in the community and eventually, JJ would take over. Unfortunately, with the unexpected passing of JJ, he continued with the dream as he originally had planned. Through the years his company, The Lawn Exchange, has been a reputable, fair, honest successful business, based on lasting relationships with clients, neighbors, and friends. He was always thankful for his family, in particular Jason Nelson (late nephew), and all others who supported him in the early years. John had a quirky way of asking questions "for a friend" of course and always looking to be better himself and the business. He diversified the business with support from Jean Provencher who helped coordinate Christmas tree sales in Newfields, NH during the off-season...we won't say he was guilty of child labor as family is exempt (Quiet Dailyn!). John also entrusted Jeremy Nelson (late CousNeph to his CousUnc) who helped support and grow the business with hardscape, commercial and residential customers. And now, Dylon Stutts has accepted and will carry on providing the same services, a reputation that all have come to expect from "The Lawn Exchange." Last, John is survived by his brother Paul C. "Dubba" Eaton, his wife Kelley "Dubbette" from Wilton, NH, and their children Erin and Felix. Paul's aspiration and goal in life is to carry forward the legacy of his brother and the true meaning of "family." No matter how often or infrequently John and Paul talked, John would always close with "We love you guys. See ya soon..." John will be missed, never forgotten, and always remembered by all as a kind, tender-hearted teddy bear of a man who cared deeply for everyone around him. If you were not mentioned, or unintentionally left off, as said by master of quotes "Get over it, suck it up and move one..."

John A. Eaton

December 5, 1962 - September 13, 2025