David Joel Eastman

Manhattan - 8/10/ 1949 - 9/4/2018 - has died in Manhattan after a valiant 7 month fight with pancreatic cancer. David was surrounded by his loving family. Cherished first-born son of Anne Gardner Eastman (d.2013) and Prof. Lester Fuess Eastman (d.2013) of Ithaca, NY, he is survived by his sister Laurie Eastman Veal, brother Daniel Gardner Eastman, brother-in-law John E. Veal, and sister-in-law Joan Quinn Eastman of Massachusetts. He was also the dear uncle of Elizabeth Eastman Winheld, and Jason, Evan, and Jonathan Eastman and their families. David will be sorely missed by his many cousins, and childhood and college friends from Upstate NY; his dear NYC friends Curtis, Lucy, Tim, and Macy and Tom; his friends from Ferguson Shamamian; and many others for his keen intelligence, wit, humor, story-telling, lively debating skills, love of words, gentleness and charm. He graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca NY ('71, MBA '75), then worked as an economist for the US Government on the IBM antitrust case. He returned to get his M.Arch. from Columbia University. The family would like to thank Rev. Bo Reynolds of St. Luke-in-the-Fields, the medical staff at Beth Israel and Mount Sinai, and the staff at NY Presbyterian hospitals for his care during his long illness. On Sept. 29, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. there will be a memorial service and reception at St. Luke-in-the-Fields, 487 Hudson Street, NY, NY 10012. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to St. Luke's in David's name: http://stlukeinthefields.org/giving . David will be buried next to his parents in Ithaca NY.

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Published by Ithaca Journal on Sep. 22, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for David Eastman

Sponsored by Laurie Eastman Veal.

19 Entries

Chris

February 15, 2024

I am just seeing David's obituary now, over five years since his passing. It saddens me to know he is no longer enjoying life.
I worked upstairs from David for many years and collaborated with him on some projects,. He was always a kind and gentle person, quiet, yet talkative,
David always took time to say hello and chat with me. He spoke of his travel experiences, and the pleasure being in different places. He evoked his love of life and personal relationships.
I can imagine he was a wonderful son, brother, uncle,... I express my condolences to his family and friends.
Chris

November 30, 2018

I am so sorry for the sadness you are feeling now. Please be assured that our Heavenly Father understands your pain. He is a God of compassion and through prayer, you will receive the peace that he gives the broken-hearted ones. (Luke 1:78,79)

J Claude

November 24, 2018

RIP buddy. Such a kind and protective spirit helping those who needed it. You'll always be remembered.

November 21, 2018

Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences at this time of your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1.

September 28, 2018

May he rest peacefully

September 27, 2018

Remembering David with affection and cherishing our times with the family. Love, Jean and Steve

Wei

September 27, 2018

We worked on projects together and I remembered his wisdom and stories very well. You will be missed, David!

Ben

September 27, 2018

I was incredibly sad to hear of Davids passing whilst we were away. Only the day before I was thinking of David whilst we were eating Swedish meatballs in a Norwegian Fjord and thinking about how much he would have liked it. I worked with him for 16 years and we became good friends based on a number of shared interests mainly centered around European history & heritage. I have so many fond memories of conversations we had together and he is greatly missed in the office.

Claudia

September 27, 2018

I wanted to express my condolences for your family's recent loss. I have been at the same firm for two and a half years and worked very closely with David during that time. He was one of the first in the office to welcome me and pepper me with questions in a genuine effort to get to know me, which I have always appreciated. I greatly enjoyed our chats about classic movies, history, and genealogy and his stories of his many cruise adventures. David was a one-of-a-kind individual and I will miss his friendly nature and company.

Sue

September 27, 2018

I saw Daves obituary in the NYT - immediately drawn to the picture. Over the next few days I reflected on our shared history. Dave and I met in kindergarten in Dryden - in an old white clapboard house which was probably once a farmhouse. When we met again several years later in elementary school we immediately knew each other. Our lives moved in and out of contact for years afterward, though, closer in high school and college then intermittently in our early careers.

So I think I always carry something of Dave with me. He was the person I could say anything to - exploring ideas without inhibition or fear. Dave was rigorous in his analysis and self-judgement but tender in his embrace and acceptance of friends. I already am acutely feeling the loss in my universe. My love and sympathy to both of you

Daniel

September 27, 2018

I am so, so sorry for your loss. Although we had lost touch over the years, I wanted to let you know that Davids big heart was responsible for getting me my first job in NY. The year was 1999 and I had arrived as a college student from London, and had just started working in a restaurant in Chelsea. David was one of my first customers, and I think it was his usual stop for his breakfast. I was a terrible waiter, very new to the job, and he made me feel at ease immediately and asked me about my studies back in the UK . When he learned that I was in the midst of a degree in car design he offered me an interview at the architectural firm where he worked. Needless to say, with his magic touch and persuasive skills, I was employed for the summer in their swanky offices as an intern for the summer. I think I only worked at the restaurant for all of 48 hours! David took me under his wing, coaching me on how to poche floor plans for his celebrity clients homes. He was truly a gentle soul and it was hard to not be drawn to him. Sending my regards and love to you and your family at this difficult time. I am sadly not in NY for the service, but I will be thinking of you all.

Erik and Maren

September 27, 2018

Please accept our sincere condolences. We met David on the Queen Mary during a transatlantic voyage and had indeed a nice time together and had appreciated very much to have met him

We mailed him on reply to his message below- that we would be in Southampton in July this year and could meet each other again-
but unfortunately it has not been possible.

We will remember him as a very nice and likeable fellow seldom to meet such persons nowadays .

Kathy

September 27, 2018

He was a kind, thoughtful and generous man. I'd not seen him in a long time...and had no idea of his suffering. I'm sorry for your loss. He passed way to soon............I am sending you many blessings.

Natalie

September 27, 2018

Your brother was a patient of mine for several years. I am saddened by this news and I want to express my condolences for your loss. He was a kind and wonderful man and he will be greatly missed.

Donna

September 27, 2018

I just learned of this yesterday. I am so sorry for you and your family. David was such a special guy I felt so bad when we lost contact..he was such an important person in my early life..a good pal and funny man..I hope you will be able to remember the happy times knowing he is now at peace.

Jamshed

September 27, 2018

I am deeply grieved to get this message and I want you to know that I share in your sadness. I knew David but briefly, but his gentleness touched me. I knew he was grievously ill but I had hoped that I might have had a little time to know him. May he be in peace everlasting. And may the memories of your shared good times comfort you in your sorrows.

Tony Volante

September 27, 2018

Im so sorry about Davids passing. His energy was always so gentle and kind. Please accept our condolences. I have many fond memories of our time together in Dryden.

September 24, 2018

A gentleman with a kind heart and a gentle sense of humor. Blessings to you, old friend.

Lucilla Crew

September 16, 2018

I will miss you always.

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