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Eugene Michael Eagle

Eugene “Mike” Michael Eagle, 81, of Old Saybrook, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on March 27, 2024. Mike will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Mary Grace, and his loving children, Michael Christopher Eagle (wife Kathleen Eagle, grandsons Aaron and Ethan) of Guilford and Christian Nicholas Eagle of Old Saybrook. Mike also leaves behind sisters-in-law Ann Lou Barnes of Florida and Geraldine DeRita of Florida, as well as many nephews and nieces. As well as his parents, the late Eugene Eagle and Irene (Romanoff) Eagle, Mike is predeceased by his two sisters, Anastasia Spencer and Irene Tuccitto, and brothers-in-law, Peter DeRita, Bud Spencer and Joe Tuccitto.

Mike was born on April 26, 1942, in Yonkers, New York. He spent his childhood in Middletown, where he graduated from Middletown High School. Mike was state recognized for his Cross Country and Outdoor Track endeavors. Mike was also a member of the school band and served in various student leadership roles. There he met the love of his life, his future wife, Mary Grace (DeRita) Eagle. They were married on Aug. 21, 1965, and have shared 58 wonderful, happy years together.

After high school, Mike went on to earn his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from The Hartford Art School, University of Hartford. Mike received several awards during his undergrad years, some of which include First Award and Medal, Society of Illustrators National Collegiate Competition, and Honorable Mention in the United States in the Edwin Austin Abbey Mural Scholarship Competition. From 1964-'65, Mike apprenticed with the nationally known muralist Austin Purves. Mike’s designs can be seen in the East Apse of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. After graduating cum laude, Mike worked at Aetna Life and Casualty Company as a staff illustrator. In 1966, Mike was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, CE, from the United States Army Officer Candidate Regiment, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Mike then served a year tour of duty as a Line Officer, 1st Lieutenant, in the U.S. Army, Corp Of Engineers in Vietnam. Mike was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service against Hostile Ground Forces at the completion of his tour of duty.

Mike wore many professional hats, having been a freelance illustrator, an artist, an author, and an adjunct college professor at Paier College of Art, the University of Connecticut, and Quinnipiac University. Mike was a lifelong member of the prestigious Society of Illustrators in New York City. Mike worked as a freelance illustrator for many well-known publishing houses, magazines, and advertising agencies, including Addison-Wesley, Ginn, Houghton Mifflin, Xerox, Sports Illustrated, Reader’s Digest, Random House, and Henry Holt. As an author, Mike wrote and illustrated books such as The Marathon Rabbit and The Wolf From The Sea. Later in Mike’s career, he became involved in several art organizations. He was an elected artist and board member of the Madison Art Society, elected artist of the Lyme Art Association, the Clinton Art Association, the Hamden Art League, the Guilford Art League, and the Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society. His work has also been included in the Mystic International, the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society, the Nautilus Museum, the Connecticut River Museum, the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Amistad Traveling Exhibit, and a traveling exhibit commemorating the tragic events of 9/11.

Mike loved sports. He was a family man who enjoyed being active in his sons' lives. He volunteered as a coach for Michael in Little League baseball and for Chris in Special Olympics track and field and basketball. He was a mentor and positive role model for so many in the Seaside Saybrook Special Olympics community. Mike later joined his son Michael on the sidelines, coaching high school football. He was affectionately known as “Sr.” and “The GM” to so many players and coaches. Mike’s pride and joy were his two grandsons, Aaron and Ethan. “Papa” was always there for Aaron’s crew, orchestra concerts, and piano recitals. He loved watching Ethan play baseball and basketball, cheering from the stands. They took many rides on the golf cart down to the beach and enjoyed making the ultimate omelets for breakfast.

Calling hours were held from 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Swan Funeral Home, located at 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook. A Funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at Saint John’s RC Church, located at 161 Main St, Old Saybrook. Burial will take place immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mike’s name to Special Olympics CT, Autism Speaks, and the American Cancer Society.