With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear colleague, RRPC board member and AmeriCOM board member, Jay Eastman.
Jay was the best of possible partners: upbeat, creative, enthusiastic, always eager to say “let’s get it done” once he had a vision there was no stopping him. Jay’s ability to strategize, collaborate and create are what made him the clear winner of the 2014 RRPC Leadership Award.
During the past decade, Jay helped formulate and lobby for the American Center for Optics Manufacturing (AmeriCOM) both in Rochester and on Capitol Hill. AmeriCOM would not exist today we’re at not for Jay’s unflagging and enthusiastic support. Words are inadequate to express how much he will be missed.
It is with sadness that the family of Jay Morgan Eastman announces his passing on April 20, 2023 at the age of 74 after a short illness. He is predeceased by his parents, Wesley and Evelyn (Morgan) Eastman, his brother-in-law Robert Wayne and his father-in-law William K. Wayne.
Jay was the husband of Linda Eastman for 51 years, and the father of Sarah (Michael) Newman and Zachary (Suzanna) Eastman. He is also survived by his grandchildren Andrew, Morgan, Reese and Evan Newman, and Julia, Wesley and William Eastman; his brothers and sisters in-laws including Dr. Stephen and Elizabeth Fantone, Cynthia Wayne, William and Nancy Wayne, Andrew (Michelle DeBolt) Wayne, mother-in-law Mary Wayne and several nieces and nephews.
Jay earned his Ph.D. in Optical Engineering from the University of Rochester in 1974. Upon graduation he accepted a position in Mt View, CA. He returned to Rochester to manage the engineering division of the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics where he later became the Director.
He was a serial entrepreneur having founded three companies. Jay was an inventor or co-inventor on 48 issued U.S. patents. At the time of his death he was the co-founder with his son of Optel, Inc., a company focused on developing and manufacturing medical devices for third party medical companies.
Jay was on the Board of Directors of The National Women’s Hall of Fame in his home town of Seneca Falls. He was a member of The Optical Society of America, SPIE and the Rochester Engineering Society. In 1997 he received the Leo H. East Memorial Engineer of the Year Award.
He enjoyed spending time on Cayuga Lake, racing cars, traveling the world, grandchildren, family gatherings, plays, concerts and expanding his knowledge. His talents knew no limits; he could build or repair anything.
The family will receive friends for a celebration of Jay’s life on May 7, 2023 from 1-4pm at Locust Hill Country Club, 200 Jefferson Road, Pittsford NY 14534.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jay’s name are welcomed to The National Women’s Hall of Fame, 1 Canal St., Seneca Falls, NY 13148; Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island NY 10306 (www.tunnel2towers.org) or Rochester Community Inclusive Rowing, 20 Black Creek Rd., Rochester, NY 14623.
