Robert E.L. Eaton Jr.

Robert E.L. Eaton Jr., a former prosecutor in the US States Attorney’s Office and Department of Justice, died after a short but sudden medical issue on March 1, 2025 in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he resided with his wife, Carolyn. Born March 6, 1941, he was 83, just shy of his 84th birthday.

Mr. Eaton, a longtime resident of Maryland before relocating to Williamsburg in 2004, was an Air Force Veteran following in the footsteps of his father, General Robert E.L. Eaton, who was assigned to work with the Air Force in its inception when it was established in 1947.

Mr. Eaton was a dedicated civil servant and served in many positions at the US Department of Justice and the US Attorney’s Office and his career of nearly 35 years reflects his continuous motivation and willingness to serve his country.

After being appointed as an Assistant US Attorney in 1970, Mr. Eaton was asked to serve in several supervisory roles as a result of his legal acumen, trial skills, and leadership abilities. He served as Deputy Chief of the Misdemeanor Trial Section for Superior Court from 1973-1974, after which he became the Chief of the Grand Jury/Intake Section for the Superior Court. Then, after 1974, he worked for the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the Narcotics Section, Criminal Division, for less than one year, and was promoted to the Chief of that unit in 1990 and successfully served in that position for 14 years and retired in 2004. During his tenure, he earned the respect and admiration of his supervisors, colleagues, and the individuals whom he supervised and mentored as he served the United States with honor and distinction.

Mr. Eaton was a beloved husband, stepdad, and grandpa (lovingly known as Poppi). He was an avid golfer for the majority of his life and loved the time he spent at the clubs where he was a member for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Cicatelli Eaton; a daughter, Gina Cicatelli (Ciagne) of Annapolis, MD.; a son, Chris Cicatelli (Amal) of Rockville, MD.; granddaughters, Zoe and Isabella Cicatelli of Rockville, MD and Jalen Ciagne of Eugene, OR; and a grandson, Luca Ciagne of San Diego, CA; a sister-in-law Bonnie Eaton (Henry) of Mobile, AL; a niece Kate Eaton of Rochester, NY.

He is preceded in death by his father, General Robert E.L.Eaton and mother, Jo Rhein Eaton of Chevy Chase, MD; brother, Henry Stanton Eaton; twin sister, Sallie Eaton Elliot and brother-in-law, Earle Elliot of Chevy Chase, MD. and brother-in-law, Earle Elliot; his first wife, Linda Eaton of Bethesda; his second wife, Sue Stockton Eaton of Bethesda and her son from her first marriage, Kevin Lee Stockton.

His family and friends miss him every single moment of every day. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.