By James V. Franco
The Record

TROY — Eugene “Gene” Eaton, who served as a state trooper, the Rensselaer County Sheriff and a city councilman, has died. He was 73.

“He was best dad anyone could want. Just an all around wonderful guy,” said Michael Eaton, the eldest of Gene and Kathy’s six children. “He was always there for us. He was very hands-on dad. And just as great a dad he was, he was that good of a grandfather too.”

Eaton was educated in Troy schools and graduated from Hudson Valley Community College. After a stint in the Army, he joined the State Police and worked as an investigator at the state Attorney General’s Office before being elected Rensselaer County Sheriff in 1976, a position in which he served until 1984.

He was elected to the Troy Council in 1993 and served as mayor under the city manager form of government in 1995 and 1996.

“Gene showed me great kindness when he supported my efforts to run for City Council in 1999,” Mayor Harry Tutunjian said. “As a public servant, he impacted the lives of many and he will be missed.”

Eaton served during a tumultuous time in Troy. The city had just shifted to a strong mayor form of government and financially, like many cities then and today, was struggling.

“He was a good guy and always had a good sense of humor. He always enjoyed being in government whether it was on the Troy City Council or as Rensselaer County sheriff,” said Steve Dworsky, who was city manager at the time. “He has to be one of the few people who have been mayor of the city and sheriff of the county.”

In addition to law enforcement and politics, Eaton was very involved with the community and the Catholic Church. He served as a communicant at Sacred Heart and prior to that as an usher and lector at St. Williams.

“Gene was a tireless leader and someone that I and so many others considered a friend,” said County Executive Kathy Jimino. “He never hesitated to roll up his sleeves and do what he could to help his community, as exemplified by his service as County Sheriff and Mayor of the City of Troy as well as through his commitment to so many community groups that he had dedicated himself to.”

“Gene Eaton had a long and distinguished record of service to residents of Rensselaer County, the City of Troy and New York state,” added Martin Reid, chairman of the Rensselaer County Legislature."

Asked what he thought people would remember about his father, Michael said:

“After meeting Gene Eaton you always felt better about things even if you were having your worst day. He could just bring a smile to anyone’s face.”