Mike Eastup

Heaven gained one of the kindest, strongest, funniest souls at the age of 68. "Mike" passed away peacefully at home on September 20, 2025 with his loving family and dog by his side. Mike was born on September 16, 1957 in Rome, NY, the proud son of the late Alfred and Mary Eastup. On October 20, 2018 in Cedarville Michigan, Mike was united in marriage to the love of his life, Bonny Smith. At the age of 17, Mike started his career with The Rome Developmental Center as a groundskeeper. Under the eye of his hardworking dad, Mike learned the art of keeping the grounds pristine, which he then continued to do at the family home. Mike retired in 2013 after 36 years of service with the Rome DDSO. Mike had a passion for many things in life, but he was most passionate for golfing, hunting, fishing and gardening. Mike enjoyed his time on the golf course with his golf league buddies, especially his lifelong friend, Joe Come during the summer months. When he was not golfing, you would find him fishing at Creekside or in the woods hunting. He was known as "the mouse of the woods" as he was the quietest hunter, which made him a successful hunter. Mike's gardens, vegetable and flower, were always beautiful. Mike spent many hours in his garden and shared the fruits of his hard work with family and friends. Mike was also known for his humor, corny jokes, storytelling and his love for music and dancing. He was more than a husband, father, poppy, brother and uncle; he was the life of the party. Mike is survived by his wife, Bonny, his daughters Sheena (Sam Gallagher) Eastup, Jesilyn (Marshall) Little, his grandsons, Guysier and Ganden Little. He is also survived by his siblings; Colleen (Clarence) Burley, Tim (Jeannine) Eastup, Denise (Jeff) Wheeler, Rick (Lisa Daskiewich) Eastup, Randy (Penny) Eastup, and Crystal (Phil) vanLieshout, many nieces and nephews who adored him as "Uncle Nut" or "Uncle Mikey" and his little canine companion, Murphy. Mike was predeceased by his sister Becky Dean. The family would like to thank the Drs. and nurses at Wilmot Cancer Center and the dedicated nurses and compassionate team at Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness and support shown to Mike and our family during this journey. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 pm Friday September 26, 2025 at Strong- Burns & Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. A prayer service will be held 7 pm. Burial will be 10 am Saturday, September 27, 2025 in Rome Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Prince-Boyd and Hyatt Home For Funerals, Inc., Rome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Mike's memory to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Rochester or the Golisano Children's Hospital.