Francis Willis Eastman Jr.

His parents, Elizabeth (Lagasse) and Francis W. Eastman Sr. welcomed their son into the world on July 29, 1936 in Peterborough, NH. Francis attended local schools and was a 1954 graduate of Conant High School in Jaffrey.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corp serving from 1955 until his honorable discharge in 1959.

Fondly known as "Fran", "Jr." and "Cheesy", he worked for many years in the produce department of area grocery stores including Belletetes in Jaffrey, NH, OK Fairbanks on Marlboro Street in Keene, Superplace on West Street, in Keene, Shaws Supermarket in Keene, and following his retirement, Fran worked part-time with Wilbur Brothers in Marlborough, NH.

When not hard at work in customer service to many in the community, Fran took great pride in coaching his son John’s peewee, little league and Babe Ruth baseball teams. He also played on the Markem Softball Team with the Greater Keene Area Softball League for many years. Of most recent, he helped coach his grandson Andrew’s basketball team at the Keene Parks and Recreation Center.

He loved the beach, fishing, and his skilled hands found him crafting tables and furniture for his family to enjoy. If it was broken, Fran could fix it!

He was a longtime parishioner of St. Bernard Church in Keene, serving as a greeter and usher for many years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 819 at St. Bernard Church.

He will be greatly missed by many, especially his wife of 60 years, Ann C. (DiGiulio) Eastman of Keene; his son, John Eastman of Keene; his daughter, Ann E. Derry and her husband, William J. of Keene; two grandchildren, Theresa A. Derry of Keene, Andrew J.F. Derry, of Loudon, NH; a brother, Paul David Eastman of Ohio; his aunt, Helen Oja of South Carolina; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth DiGiulio of Harwich, MA; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members. A brother, Raymond Eastman, predeceased him.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 from 10:00 to 11:30am at the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene. A mass of Christian burial will follow at noon in St. Bernard Church, 185 Main Street, Keene, followed by burial with committal prayers and military honors in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Lower Main Street, Keene.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Eastman’s memory to the Society of the Little Flower, 1313 North Frontage Road, Darien, IL 60561; or to St. Bernard Church, 173 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431.