Charles D. Paton, retired director of the Electrical Engineering Laboratories, died April 29. He was 78.
Paton arrived at MIT in 1968 and taught graduate and undergraduate classes until his retirement in 1993. He also founded Paton Engineering Research, where he conducted innovative research that advanced battery technology.
Before coming to MIT, Paton designed and built electronics for RCA, Sylvania, LFE and other corporations. He held a bachelor's degree from Tufts University.
He enjoyed skiing, playing tennis, sailing and working on his home. Born in Athens, Greece, he had lived in Lexington, Mass., for 51 years.
The husband of the late Constance (Conaxis) Paton, he is survived by two daughters, Mena C. Paton of Beverly, Mass., and Dawna L. Paton of Carlisle, Mass.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 11, at 1 p.m. at Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Road, Lexington. Burial in Westview Cemetery, Lexington, was private.
For donation information, call Douglass Funeral Home at 781-862-1800.
