Yankee Homecoming Native Son and Parade Grand Marshal 2009

Richard A. Eaton (Richie)

The theme for this year’s Yankee Homecoming is “And The Beat Goes On!” and I cannot think of a better person who exemplifies what it takes for the “beat” of Yankee Homecoming to continue on and on, year after year; and to honor as Parade Grand Marshal and as Native Son for 2009. One of the many wonderful things I have had the privilege of doing this year includes the selection of Richie Eaton for these distinctions. The goal was to select a person from Newburyport who epitomizes the essence of “community” and understands that true success encompasses the totality of one’s life. The Native Son honor is our opportunity to bring that person to the forefront - to place the spotlight on him - acknowledging who he is and how he has touched so many lives. Then to combine Native Son with Richie as the Parade Grand Marshal is my way of letting Richie know just how much I appreciate his untiring efforts to his family, Newburyport community, and the Yankee Homecoming Organization.

Richie and his wife of thirty-five years, Kathy (Holbrook) Eaton, have three sons – Tim, Scott and Patrick. Their family as a whole has proved to be a major force in the Newburyport community. Not only does Richie have the enormous responsibility that comes with being husband, father and grandfather, he is President of the Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank. Richie is also on the Board of Directors of Yankee Homecoming, Inc. and has served as a past Chairman. He supports a diverse array of social, educational, civic and cultural organizations in the community making sure that greater Newburyport is a vibrant place to live, work and grow. Speaking with Richie for even a few minutes and it is not long before you know that he believes, as he states “that giving back is the best way forward.” The question is when does this man have time for all of this? The key is that he makes the time! As you read the list of associations, achievements and accomplishments that Richie has been successful at, you will wholeheartedly agree that he is indeed a Native Son that Newburyport and Yankee Homecoming should be very proud of. Some of Richie’s involvements include:

• Newburyport Pioneer League
• Kiwanis Little League
• Kiwanis Senior League
• Newburyport Youth Football League
• Local Cable Television - announcer for High School Sports
• Ancient Order of Hibernians of Newburyport
• Finance Committee of the Immaculate Conception Parish
• Immaculate Conception School Endowment Fund
• Newburyport Community Development Block Grant Program
• Knights of Columbus Council 231 of Newburyport and Past Grand Knight
• Newburyport Learning Enrichment Center
• Charles and Maryanne Small Charitable Foundation
• Member of the Board of Northern Essex Community College Foundation
• Board of Directors of Custom House Maritime Museum
• Board of Directors of The Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Board of Directors of PortMedia

Richie: Thanks for being you!

Kathleen Bailey, Yankee Homecoming General Chairwoman 2009