John F.G. Eichorn Jr.; Leading Utility Executive

John F.G. Eichorn Jr., 73, an innovative utility executive. Eichorn led Eastern Utilities Associates, a Boston-based electric utility holding company, from 1972 until he retired as chief executive officer in 1989. He was praised as the savior of the Seabrook, N.H., nuclear power plant as chairman of Seabrook’s executive committee. In commercial service since 1990 and praised in the utility industry for its safe operation, Seabrook under Eichorn’s guidance withstood protests by environmental groups from all 50 states. Eichorn also headed formation of the New England Power Pool, the first regional power distribution grid in the country. Born in Boston and educated at the University of Maine and Northwestern University, Eichorn served in the Army during World War II. On Aug. 19 in Santa Monica.