Denis David Eggleton, age 84, of Southington and formerly of the Bucks Hill neighborhood in Waterbury, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 30, 2025 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Denis was born in Waterbury on June 27, 1940 to his late parents, Robert and Alice (Carey) Eggleton. He was preceded in death by his late wife, Marilyn Larrimore, Eggleton of Southington.

Denis was a graduate of Crosby High School in Waterbury. Denis served for 2 years prior to his high school graduation in the naval reserves. After high school, Denis joined the US Navy and was honorably discharged after 2 years. He served aboard the USS Des Moines as a weatherman.

As a civilian, Denis was employed for 40 years at SNET (AT&T). He started his career there in the vehicle maintenance department and worked his way up to plant analyst and manager. Along the way, his many positions included cable splicer, lead technician in fiber optics and then finally managing an elite group of technicians. Denis was a wonderful, smart leader and loved and respected by all who worked for and with him.

Not one to sit still in retirement, Denis took a job as a parts delivery person at Dowling Ford. He liked to keep himself occupied and he loved being around car enthusiasts and friends. Denis was a man of many talents and skills. If you gave him a hammer and bucket of nails, he would build you a house. If any appliance or machine broke, Denis could fix it! He could engineer, design and bring to life any idea or solution to any problem. Denis also had a passion for cars. In his younger days, he and his buddies would build cars and then race them. He once traded a brand new '61 Ford for a '57 Thunderbird. He loved to restore and meticulously keep his beloved Mustangs, show them off at car shows and just take them for rides on a nice day!

Denis enjoyed time with his friends- every week with his "Saturday afternoon club", he, Dave, Joe and Randy would hang around, have a few beers, eat pizza and talk about cars and life. He loved to walk around swap meets, especially on his yearly trip to his favorite one in Carlisle, PA- making sure to stop at his favorite diner, the MIlford Diner, for breakfast on the way. He loved spending time with his wife, family and friends at their cottage on Lake Pocotopaug in East Hampton. He was a mastermind in designing a community waste removal system and many other upgrades to the small community of cottages there. He loved to welcome friends, children and grandchildren for a day at the lake.

Denis also loved his siblings. Their time growing up on Montoe Rd. was full of adventure and excitement. He stayed there in the neighborhood when he was a young man and started his family. You could always find him working in his backyard garage after his normal job, performing repairs on friends, neighbors and family's cars. He did it all, from brake jobs to motor rebuilding.

Later in life, some of his siblings moved to Florida and Denis would make annual trips for holidays and memorable visits. Denis' best friend was his brother Dave. They spent countless hours helping their children with household projects, sharing breakfasts together and solving the world's problems. They looked alike, talked alike and loved each other deeply.

Denis shared his love and knowledge of cars with his sons, Robert and David. They carried on his endless knowledge of building and fixing things into their lives. He enjoyed his children and grandchildren, including Marilyn's daughter and granddaughters, whenever possible.

Denis is survived by his daughter Robin (Robert) Defilio, son David (Krystyn) Eggleton, son's widow Eileen Eggleton, step daughter Kimberly Larrimore, grandchildren David Crooker, Andrew Defilio, Francesca Defilio, Michael Eggleton, Kelsey Eggleton, Allyson Eggleton, Sydnee Eggleton, Laura Jenny, Denise Eggleton Cherly Pekowski, Gabrielle Mitchell, Alexis Mitchell and many great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother David (Maryann) Eggleton, many nieces and nephews and also by his first wife, Gloria Eggleton. Denis was preceded in death by his sister, Roberta (Eggleton) Norman, brothers Richard Eggleton and James Eggleton, his son Robert Eggleton and grandson Brian Defilio.

The family would like to thank all caregivers at LiveWell in Southington for their love and care. They became Denis' second family during the many years of his illness.

Denis' funeral will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Visitation with the family will be held from 9-10 AM at St Michael's Church 62 St, Michael's Drive, Waterbury, CT. A funeral mass will be held there at 10 with burial following at Bucks Hill Cemetery.

To leave notes of comfort for Denis' family, please visit his tribute wall.