Oil Heat Loses Legendary Advocate David Eagle

Arlex Oil President was active in the industry and the community

The Oilheat industry lost an energetic supporter when David Eagle passed away in June from pancreatic cancer. The longtime President of Arlex Oil Corp., Mr. Eagle was an active contributor to the heating oil industry and his community. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Priscilla (Caie) of Lexington; his daughter, Cynthia Fitzpatrick, her husband William, and grandson, Liam of Newton; as well as his son Jeffrey Eagle, his wife Heidi, and grandsons, Matthew and Gregory of Coto de Caza, CA. He was a constant presence in the leadership circles of the heating oil industry, having served for many years on the New England Fuel Institute Board of Directors. As President and Chairman of NEFI from 1999-2003, he was instrumental in the creation of NORA.

In recent years, he served as a member of the NEFI Finance Committee and oversaw implementation of key portions of the NEFI strategic plan, including the sale of the property in Watertown, MA. NEFI honored him as a “Legend of Oil Heat” in 2012. Mr. Eagle also served as a director and board chairman of the Massachusetts Oilheat Council (later the Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association). Jack Maloney, who partnered with Mr. Eagle in Arlex Oil and other businesses over a 52-year span, described him as an energetic man who loved his work. “He was here at 7 in the morning every day until 6 or 7 at night. He was here every day even while he was going through chemotherapy.” Former NEFI President & CEO Jack Sullivan remembers him fondly. “Dave Eagle’s passing creates a void that cannot be filled. He was an amazing person, a strong family man and loving husband. Dave was an extraordinary leader in our industry.

Modest to a fault, he had the ability to see the big picture and overcome challenges. Dave was a “make it happen” guy who was respected by all. He never quit. He had a unique fun loving personality, which we all enjoyed. He spent hundreds of hours supporting charities and resolving industry issues. He was the best of the best and will never be forgotten.” Longtime friend Jim Diotalevi, of Alpha Oil, said of Mr. Eagle, “You couldn’t find a better businessman or a more highly respected person in our industry. He had our industry at heart all the time.”

As hard as he worked in business, Mr. Eagle was also an active contributor in and around Lexington, MA. He was the treasurer of the Hayden Recreation Center and the Lexington Housing Assistance Board and a past president of the Lexington Rotary Club. The Lexington Lions Club honored him in 2010 for his outstanding service to the town. Mr. Eagle’s business career extended beyond Oilheat. He partnered with Mr. Maloney in several other businesses, including Interstate Gas and Oil Corp. and C&W Transportation Inc. He was also a passionate boater who docked his vessel Eagle’s Nest in Falmouth, MA.

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