David Burstein

Burstein, David
David Burstein, 62, of Tempe, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2009. David was a retired Arizona State University astronomy and astrophysics professor and a beloved husband, father and grandfather. David's research on galaxies, star population and general clusters was known around the world and his work is heavily cited by others. Born in New Jersey, David decided at an early age he wanted to study the stars. He received a B.A. from Wesleyan University, Conn., and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He spent 26 years at ASU, teaching hundreds of students about the universe. He served on numerous faculty committees, including a year as the president of the Academic Assembly. He rarely missed a Sun Devils football game. David's family would like to thank the outstanding caregivers at Sunrise of Chandler, the Alzheimer's Association and Hospice of the Valley. In a time of sadness, they provided solace that words cannot begin to describe. David is survived by his wife of 38 years, Gail; his daughter Elizabeth Browne (Eric) of Tucson; his son Jonathan Burstein (Kathy), of Delray Beach, FL; his grandson Andrew David Burstein; and his father-in-law Edmund T. Kelly, of Tempe. He spent many nights staring through telescopes, looking at the stars. Now he is with them, soaring through the cosmos. Services will be held Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Carr-Tenney Mortuary at 2621 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a college fund set up for the young sons of Cheryl Schiefer, a family friend who lost her battle with cancer. An account is set up in Cheryl's name at Tempe Schools Federal Credit Union, 2800 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ, 85282.