Ernest F. Eastman, Jr.

Ernest Francis Eastman, Jr., age 88, of Wilmington, DE, went home to be with the Lord on March 22, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.  Ernest was born on March 26, 1926, in Somerville, MA.  He graduated early from Somerville High School at the age of 17 to join the Army Air Corps during WWII and completed his training as part of a B-29 crew.  He was stationed on the island on Tinian where he flew multiple combat missions over Japan and witnessed history in the making as the Enola Gay carried out its historic mission.

After the war, he began his college education at his beloved University of Notre Dame, class of 1951.  While at Notre Dame, he met the love of his life, Ann Kline, and they married June 19, 1948.  He went on then earn is post graduate degree from Boston College.  He then worked for the DuPont Company for 33 years retiring as a Senior Technical Advisor in the Polymers and Adhesive Division.  In addition to hold 6 patents on polymer technology, he was a member of the American Chemical Society, the Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industries, the Packing Institute and the Adhesive and Sealant Council.  He was also a longtime Boy Scout leader and active in numerous community organizations throughout his life. 

He was an adored and cherished husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ann, his children, Nancy Eastman, Brian Eastman (Cheryl), Jeff Eastman (Kristine), Cheryl Macey (David), Tracey Eastman, and Barbara Buckanavage (Steve), and his grandchildren, Brittany, Brandon (Anna), Alyssa, Stephanie (Brad), Kacie, Evan, Courtney, Jack, and Charles.  He was predeceased by his grandson, Jeffrey Shane Eastman.  He was looking forward to becoming a great-grandfather two times this year.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Parish of the Resurrection, 3000 Videre Drive Wilmington, on Thursday, March 26, at 11:30am, where visitation will be held in the church beginning at 10am.  Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ernest may be sent to St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 W. Main Street, Chamberlain, SD  57325   www.stjo.org 

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