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Gilbert Eastman Obituary
Dr. GILBERT C. EASTMAN
On December 2, 2006, Dr. GILEBRT C. EASTMAN, age 72, of Bethany Beach, DE, formerly of Annapolis, MD. Retired professer of Drama at Gallaudet University. Beloved husband of June R. Eastman; devoted father of Alison Appenzellar (Mark) and Ingrid Amos (Kevin); brother of Robert and Warren Eastman; loving grandfather of Jessica, Emily, Jordan and Daniel. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2006, 2 p.m. at Ocean City Baptist Church, 102 N. Division St., Ocean City, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Gallaudet University for the Gilbert C. Eastman Scholarship Fund, c/o Development Office, 800 Florida Ave., N.E., Washington, DC 20002. Arrangements entrusted to HASTINGS FUNERAL HOME, Selbyville, DE.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert Eastman
Patty Polzin
December 1, 2024
Butch & me(Patty) were so glad to have met Gilbert, so many years ago.
Patty and Butch Polzin
June 16, 2020
We only met Gilbert once, but we sure like him right away. His wife June is my third cousin from Wisconsin. June's mother, Helen, sang at our wedding in 1960. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Steve and Tammy Weiner
December 27, 2006
Thank you for the wonderful gifts you have bestowed on us over the eyears! Rest well sweet friend, you have left us with wonderful memories. To the family, may the memories of wonderful times with him serve as balm for years to come.
Martha Scribner
December 15, 2006
Dearest June, Alison, Ingrid and their families,
You have my deepest sympathies. I had many fond memories of Gil during Gallaudet days and MDAD pageant. He will be sorely missed!
Seymour S. Bernstein
December 15, 2006
June and Loved ones,
The Gil Eastman legacy shall always be eternally acknowledgement. What he had contributed to the deaf community worldwide is immeasurably rewarding. His ability to entertain the deaf world was inself a miracle in many ways. He had touched many of us with his charmastic ways and developed a fabulous relationship with many of us. I remembered the college days when I had to slap his face to improve his acting performance on the Gallaudet stage and from that time on he grew up so fast he reached the star among the stars in the sky. Heaven awaits him and welcome him with open wings.
Farewell, my friend Gil, and thank you for being himself. His family was always more important to him. My condolescene to all of you
Pearl (former Pamela) Youth (former LaBianco/Steiger
December 14, 2006
Thank you, Gilbert for allowing me becoming creative artist of my ASL and poetry during time of my taking your ASL translation for theatre course. It is because that of your encoragement and respect for my individualism, led me into my own unique ASL/English-printed equivalent poetry. Consequently you are sorely missed.
JoAnne&Norman Stump-Nelson
December 14, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Julianna Fjeld
December 14, 2006
Dearest June and your beautiful family,
Gil was what I could easily call "King Midas" as when he touched everyone's soul, each soul turned gold theatricially. May Gil be greatly blessed with God's golden guidance... I am very much with you, June, in supportive thoughts...
mindy moore
December 14, 2006
i looked up to gil when i was little girl...hanging out at elsted is one of my favorite thing to do... i remebered gil so well when he directed a play WHAT?!? He is truly a good director! we all will miss him!
Avis Long
December 14, 2006
To the Gilbert Eastman Family,
Please accept my deepest sincere sympathy. Gil will be truly missed.
Avis Long
Doug Ellis
December 14, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the family! Gil was my director during 1968's Spoon River Anthology performance at Gallaudet. It was my first acting experience as a Male Singer. I was able to perform effectively because of Gil's knowledge and experience. He had influenced many of us to proceed in acting in a very positive way. That is something unique about him that I shall never forget.
Hedy Udkovich-Stern
December 14, 2006
Upon learning of Eastman's passing, I felt as if a part of me was torn away. He has been such a vivid and lasting presence within my Life beginning with the Theatre Arts program at Gallaudet way back in 1970. However, I know in my heart that Eastman will agree that the fruition of our relationship lies with the creation of his "Sign Me Alice" and that I will forever be his original Alice. Farewell, my dearest Eastman, and you shall never be forgotten. Deepest sympathies to his beloved June and his much-loved Daughters from Hedy, Ron and our 3 children.
Tristan Thunderbolt
December 13, 2006
Hey there Gil, there is a Tony Award waiting for you in Heaven. Thanks for helping deaf everywhere be in the art of film, theatre music and media. You are an inspiration to me.
Connie Loper ' 81 TFP: Theater
December 13, 2006
Gil was my first exposure to the "art" of VGC and acting as a teacher, director, and anchorman. I was honored to be his student.
Gil ROCKS! Memories remain.....
With condolences,
Michael & Janna Montagnino
December 13, 2006
Michael...He was a lovable man. Wonderful 20 years working with him at Gallaudet TV & Theatre depts, his business (From Mime to Sign) and Sign Media Inc. He was my role model and I intend to continue his legacy in my field of teaching ASL. "Gil, Thank you for your guidance and I am today because of you - ILY Always!"
Janna.... When I think of Gil, I see him in his shining armor with a beautiful smile. He was a proud family man and always talked about his wife, June, daughters and grandchildren. He had given us good parental advises. Dear Eastman family, He will always be with us.
Denny Voreck
December 13, 2006
Gil made an enormous impact on many deaf people's lives worldwide especially enriching our linguistic identity and artistic knowledge.
Former actor in one of his many directed plays at Gallaudet.
Helena Schmitt
December 13, 2006
To June and the family:
Gil was indeed a good role model for all of us...
No matter how ill he was, he was always cheerful and happy to chat with anyone at any social functions...
While he is resting in peace, his memories always remain in my thoughts...
I hope to attend the service at Gallaudet in April...
Nick Vera
December 13, 2006
Gil departed our lives with his wonderful legacy to bring deaf and hard of hearing theatre to accomplish with the beautiful ASL and expression of art. I miss seeing him as great personalities and charmisa. I remembered I first saw him on Deaf Mosiac and then met him at Gallaudet University in the Fall 1988 to pursue my interest to enroll Theatre Arts program. Unfortunately, I never entered Gallaudet until I came back in three and half years ago until I graduated in May 2006. Gil will be always bring our warmest heart for everyone out to the deaf and hard of hearing community and the shine of Tower Clock. My pray bless him in his heaven.
Ed Chevy
December 13, 2006
In ancient Hawaii, when a notable loved one passed away, the people would express in native language, "Mae a' ela ka lei wehi, mapu mau no na'e ke' ala o ka maile." Translation: Though the adorning lei may fade, the fragrance of Maile (a very special flower for decoration) ever lingers.
Gil was one of the most charming and warmest person I have ever known. I will never forget him. He will be sorely missed.
Marsha Vae Goeken, '82
December 12, 2006
He is wonderful man, teacher, actor, and advisor of Theatre Arts Dept. I will never forget him and he always in my heart. God Bless U all.
Bernard Bragg
December 12, 2006
Gil....I say to you as a fellow actor and a longtime friend -- good night, sweet prince.
Carole Addabbo
December 12, 2006
Let me extend my deepest sympathy to Eastman family.
The angels need a director and an actor in heaven.
Ira Rothenberg
December 12, 2006
i read on one blog about people's feelings and thoughts toward Gil. They often remarked Deaf Mosaic. For me, it was much earlier than that. I had him only for one class in 1978 or 1979--Sign Language Translation of the Theatre for the Deaf. It was my first "exposure" and "appreciation" for ASL as a language of its own. In this same class, he talked about his play, "Antigone" and he gave us a few examples of signs that were appropriate of the Greek era as to avoid any anachronisms which I had never thought of it before. Then the next semester, I took Gallaudet's first EVER course, "Intro to ASL Linguistics" under Charlotte Baker & Carol Padden (Dr. Ben Bahan was in my class too). Looking back, I never realize until recently what a perfect coincidence or timing to take two courses one after another. I also saw an old video of "Sign Me Alice" with the original cast when I was a student there. He also helped out with the drama productions (I was in 3 plays myself so I know him outside of the classroom as well). For these reasons, I developed an fine appreciation for Gil's contributions. For some odd reasons where I used to live, in San Jose, Calif, this town wasn't able to broadcast Deaf Mosaic and I rarely saw much episodes of this show. I'm just glad that my connection with your husband and father was during my college years, BDM (Before Deaf Mosaic). With sympathies.
Carol Nemecek-Kowalski
December 12, 2006
To the Eastman Family,
I am so thankful for having him as one of my teachers at Gallaudet University in the year of 1987. I have learned so much from him in Visual Gesture Communication class. As of today, I am still using his method of teaching ASL. He will be sorely missed by everyone in the deaf community. At last, he has met my beloved father up in the heaven!
Gil, thanks for contributing your time to teach me!
~Vikee Waltrip
December 12, 2006
To the Eastman Family.
I'm so very sorry to hear of Gil's passing. He was a wonderfully delightful man to chat with and work with...May the angels in heaven enjoy him as much as we all did!
He will be sorely missed!
xo
Bill (1966) & Kathy (1969) Otis
December 12, 2006
Our deepest sincere sympathies to the Eastman family. Gil will be truly missed.
Paula Bresnahan
December 12, 2006
One of my favorite quotes is from Helen Keller: The best and the most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart. Gil truly was one of best and most beautiful, and will always be in my heart.
Janet Sharik
December 12, 2006
I met him very briefly at Gallaudet when I was a student. After the talk, I left feeling priveleged to have met a man who has a kind heart.
And I saw him briefly on Deaf Mosaic back in 1988 during DPN protest, his presence, smile, the sparkle in his eyes as he presented the news were very impressive. He has left a short, but lasting impressions and the moment I saw him, I knew he has a gentle soul that many were drawn to him. May his soul find rest and his memory lives on in all of us.
Liz Tannebaum
December 12, 2006
I express my deepest sympathy for the family. I will always remember how special Gil was. You are in my thoughts and my prayer.
Elaine B. Haines
December 11, 2006
To June
I share your loss and send you my deepest sympathy. Your beloved husband will always be long remembered by many...He had a warmth of personality and great character that left a lasting impression on all of us who met him.
God bless you and your family.
Mike and Joanne Young
December 10, 2006
What a wonderful man and loving husband and father. We were so blessed to be his neighbor all these years. I never saw him when he wasn't smiling, I'll miss that. Love to June and the girls and their families.
Barbara Hardaway
December 10, 2006
My sympathies and thoughts are with you as I light a candle to symbolize the light that Gil brought to many of us at Gallaudet University.
John Ferrari
December 8, 2006
I express my deepest sympathy for the family and the Deaf community over the loss of a great man I ever met. I got to know him when I was involved in the play "The Elephant Man" at Gallaudet back in 1981. I wouldn't be here if I didn't meet him as I learned alot from him about the ASL and Deaf Culture and deaf plays and I can't keep going on and on as he was the man I cherished in my heart and thanked him for everything. He is a big big legend in Gallaudet as well as in the Deaf community. I sorely miss him. May God bless you, June, and your family always! Hugs to you!
Dave and Sharon Benziger
December 8, 2006
We know that we are made better by the wonderful people who come into our lives.
We are forever grateful to have been blessed with our friend. Every time we think of him we smile.
Our love to Gil and the whole Eastman family, always and forever.
Debbie Meranski
December 8, 2006
To Eastman Family,
Simply put, Gil left an incredible legacy. It becomes a mission impossible to list all the accomplishments yet one thing stands out - his giving heart. I have known Gil since our Gallaudet days which started in 1954 and have been fortunate to be one of his many friends. He was forever giving, giving, and giving and to cite an example, he gave me several leads on Deaf artists while I was working on my book and I didn't even had to ask. That is Gil for you! May his soul rest in peace.
Tom Adamo
December 8, 2006
Gilbert Charles Eastman was my best friend. We had a wonderful friendship mostly in theatrical, ASL teaching, Visual Gestural, Deaf Culture, Deaf History and Championship humorous moments, as well as warm friendship. We always stayed in touch and VP as well. Visited eachother when time permitted. I have had this great man in my life since 1987. And am going to miss him so much but one of his last words to me were "Don't Cry for me, be happy and just move on". I cant help it to cry over my best friend who ever lived and gave so much to the Deaf Community all around this world. May God rest his soul in peace. May God give us strenght especially to his wife June and his offsprings...With love and adoration. Thank you for everything you did to me. You made me a better person. I love you Gil ---Ciao!
Atlanta Area School for the Deaf, ASL High School Students
December 8, 2006
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Teri Hedding
December 7, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I had Gil as one of my teachers when I was at Gallaudet in 1989. I found him to be a remarkable person. We owe him BIG THANKS for opening doors to theatre for deaf and hard of hearing people. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.
Wanda Berrette
December 7, 2006
With deepest sympathies and prayers.
Gil will be greatly missed.
Rev. Joseph Mulcrone
December 7, 2006
What a wonderful, kind, generous man! The few times I was privileged to meet him, I always came away with the feeling that I had been truly blessed.
His professional life was a tremendous gift to the deaf community world-wide. He was one of the first people to realize the power that media would have for so many people.
Yet, his greatest gift was his most kind and caring way with so many of us who felt profoundly touched by his time and attention.
May the Lord welcome him to a great reward. May God continue to bless you his family with wonderful memories and the hope to see this good man again someday.
Alfred Sonnenstrahl
December 7, 2006
Gil's passing makes me appreciate our lives more than ever. I recall meeting him for the first time in the fall of 1957. He just graduated from Gallaudet College and followed his heart by staying in the Art Department as the "Boy Friday" by cleaning up the rooms rather than getting a higher paid job elsewhere. We had so much fun performing the famed "Charley's Aunt" in 1960. Since then, every time I turned my head, he got a higher position until he reached the international level. I will miss him. May he rest in peace.
PATTI HILL-FRY
December 7, 2006
IT WAS SADDEN THAT GIRL IS NO LONGER WITH US ON THE EARTH BUT WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM IN OUR HEART AS A LEGEND AT GALLAUDET AND HE DID MANY WONDERFUL DREAMS FOR DEAF CULTURES AND A PERSON WITH PASSION AND LOVE OF ASL,DRAMA AND MANY MORE OF HIS GREAT WORK..
MY DEEP CONDOLENCE GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY...
GOD BE WITH HIM NOW..
AS EVER,
PATTI HILL FRY OF CLASS 72"
Alan (Abababa) Abarbanell
December 7, 2006
I was always fascinated by Gil's work on Deaf Mosaic and honored to have met him on several occasions through mutual friends. He struck me as a genuinely kind and gentle soul who's impact on the community will live on for generations. The community (Deaf and hearing alike) have been enriched by this wonderful man.
Donalda Ammons
December 7, 2006
To the family of Gil- I just and simply LOVE him for many unspoken reasons. He had that special kind of aura that a few possess and he also cast magic spell on thousands of students at Gallaudet with his own style in ASL. I miss him so much! May you find comfort from Gil's friends!
Benziger, Calabrese, Bresnahan
December 7, 2006
On behalf of the Benziger, Calabrese, Bresnahan families, we all join in arms together thinking of you, wishing we could be right there supporting you all.
Tom, Dave/Sharon and Tom's brothers' families, Diane, Millie, Aunt Helen, Jerrie, Paula/Tony, Caitlin, Jim, Tony Jr and Lisa.
Ginger Philley
December 7, 2006
To the Family- You have my deepest Sympathy. He will be missed very much. May he rest in peace. :(
Thomas Benziger
December 7, 2006
To June, Alison, Ingrid and their families:
I know how painful you all experiencing, but rest assured that Gil is out of misery, painful, and he is now peaceful, enjoying his new life, he will be right by you, although you won't see him but knowing his presence will always be there. I know Hazel is taking care of him right now in his new life. I will always miss Gil and of course my wife, Hazel and cherish the fond memories I have with them and all of you.
Paul Kiel
December 7, 2006
I want to thank Gil for his kindness and support when I was student there back in 1972 and 1973. He was humble and legendary one!
Be sure to give plays for others to come and watch!
Sign me Alice was good one that I saw back in 1973.
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