Obituary of Robert Franklin Eastman

Robert Franklin Eastman, aged 57, of 245 Gronczniak Rd. Stillwater, NY died suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, May 5th, 2016 at his home, due to an enlarged heart. Bob was born on August 15th, 1958, in Burlington, VT. His loving parents, Estelle and Albert Eastman raised him in Albany, NY, and have since passed away. Bob studied television at Ithaca College, NY, after which he began his career in an entry level position at CBS Television Network in New York City. Being a dynamic and always-impressive individual, he quickly worked up the ranks to become a Studio Supervisor, followed by becoming the Technical Director on The Guiding Light. His efforts and accomplishments were many, and include being nominated for six Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Technical Direction/Video Control for a Drama Series. He was the longest- standing Technical Director ever on The Guiding Light, an amazing feat accomplished with his seamless negotiating skills. Bob also created Reel Life Production Company, in which he directed newscasts, worked on large-scale remote productions (such as New Year’s Eve in Times Square), game shows, awards, daytime dramas, MTV productions, and more. His roots were still in the Capital District, so in 2001 he began building his dream home in Saratoga County. Upon meeting his wife, Lindsay Harvey Eastman in 2002, they began what witnesses have called, “An epic love.” They were true soul mates, and in 2003 they moved into their shared country estate. By 2005, after twenty-plus years in NYC, he decided that it was time for a change of pace. He founded the company Ground Aerial LLC, as an outgrowth of his interest in photography. The company provided both traditional and low-altitude aerial photography to a very diverse clientele throughout the entire Northeast region. In the last two years, he especially loved going up in biplanes to do aerial work, as it was invigorating and offered an amazing and unique vantage point from above. Bob served on the Saratoga Lake Association Board, first as a Board Member, then as Secretary and finally as Vice-President. Previously, he was a Board Member on the Stillwater Community Center Board, and was the interim President there as well. In the summers he loved working at the SaratogaRacecourse as the Lead Director of Ushers, where his conflict-negotiation and leadership skills were well-recognized. Bob touched so many lives in so many ways. People describe him as kind, generous, funny, witty, intelligent, and with a commanding presence. He had a gentle soul and incredible integrity, and would always stand up for “what was right” and for those who were oppressed. His counsel, wisdom, and leadership were widely recognized. He would tell the most profoundly exceptional stories, especially about his time in NYC. He made anyone feel at ease and comfortable, and was a master at weaving opposing views or conflict into connection and meeting in a middle ground. At the same time, Bob loved working on his property, having a history and love of tractors that began with his father when he was a young boy. He and his wife Lindsay enjoyed having a nice cocktail, cooking with the bounty of their organic garden, traveling to beach locations, hiking in the Adirondack mountains, and classical concerts at SPAC in the summer. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 12th, at 5pm at Christ Episcopal Church, 15 West High St, Ballston Spa, NY, 12020, with light refreshments to follow. All are welcome to attend to celebrate Robert Eastman’s life. A private burial will be held at a later date, with interment at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Albany. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Fight Animal Cruelty Today, (P.O. Box 4045 Queensbury, NY 12804), as Bob had a soft spot for feline friends. Condolences to the family may be expressed on this tribute.