Lester Eastman

May 21, 1928 - August 9, 2013: Lester F. Eastman, loving husband of Anne Marie Gardner Eastman, and beloved father of David J Eastman (New York, NY), Daniel G and Joan Q Eastman (Hopkinton, MA), and Laurie E and John E Veal (Newburyport, MA) died after a long illness. He was 85 years old. He was revered and loved by 4 grandchildren Jason Eastman (Phoenix, AZ), Elizabeth (Eastman) Winheld (Boulder, CO), Evan Eastman (Natick, MA), Jonathan Eastman (San Diego, CA), and 7 great grandchildren.

Les Eastman was an icon who helped to enhance the research of many individuals and enriched the lives of all who knew him. Over his career Les produced an impressive number of 125 Ph.D students.

Raised in Waterville, NY he was the son of Howard S Eastman Jr and Mayme Fuess Eastman. He had 4 sisters, Beverly (Hughes, deceased), Jean (Myers), Dorothy (McConnell), and Gratia (Burleigh). His wisdom and generosity enhanced the lives of 21 nieces and nephews and their families.

After serving as a radar specialist for the commissioning voyage of the aircraft carrier USN Coral Sea between 1946-1948, Les earned his B.S.E.E. in 1953, his M.S. in 1955 and his Ph.D. in 1957 all in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University. During basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Academy, and at Cornell, he was a lineman on the football team.

Les joined Cornell's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering as an Assistant Professor in 1957, was promoted to an Associate Professor (with tenure) in 1960 and became a full professor in 1966. In 1985, he became the John L. Given Professor in Engineering, and held that title until becoming Professor Emeritus in 2011. Les retired from Cornell in 2011. Since then he mentored students and colleagues from a range of scientific disciplines. .

He was a fellow of the American Physical Society and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and a member of the Electromagnetics Academy. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1986 for pioneering and continuing contributions to communications technology resulting from the development of high-speed and high-frequency semiconductor devices and advanced microelectronics. He was instrumental in getting industry support to establish and build a world renowned nanofabrication center at Cornell University.

Throughout his 60 year career, he loved to travel, visiting academic institutions, research labs, industry and governments from around the world. He also loved to sail on Cayuga Lake, particularly with his children and grandchildren. He was a loyal and longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder. His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him, including the staff at Kendal Ithaca who ministered to his needs during his long illness.

Calling hours are at Bangs Funeral Home on Green Street, Ithaca, NY on Thursday 8/15 4-6 pm. He will be buried with full military honors at East Lawn Cemetary (NW section off Maple Ave, Ithaca NY) Friday 8/16 at 11 a.m. There will be a memorial celebration of his life Friday 8/16, 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Ithaca NY. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to contribute to the American Diabetes Foundation (1-800-Diabetes) or to the First Presbyterian Church , 315 N Cayuga St, Ithaca NY 14850 - (607) 272-2800.