Nicholas Eastman

He was born in Rochester, Michigan on February 1, 1989. Nick graduated from U of D Jesuit High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University. He was a Spartan through and through. He also loved his field of study and took graduate classes at Oakland University and Nova Southeastern University. He was married to Chelsea Hylla on November 17, 2018, the happiest day of his life. Nick loved numbers and statistics and embraced his work as a Medical Data Analyst. He worked for Epic Health and was eager to play a part in its expansion. He had a passion for all sports and played baseball, football, soccer, basketball, roller hockey, pond hockey, golf, and bowling. He kept his baseball glove, bowling balls, and golf clubs in his car at all times—just in case an opportunity arose. Sports Talk Radio was the default channel on his car radio.

Nick was the embodiment of LOVE. From the earliest days of his life, he showed love, kindness, and compassion to others. He was well loved in return. In preschool, when his mother would drop him off at the door, all the little kids would run to greet him, shouting “Nicky’s here! Nicky’s here!” In kindergarten when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, his reply was “A hugger.”

Being the youngest of four, he was the mascot of the family. If cheering up was needed, he was right there. He was nicknamed “The Flea” because he was always front and center in any activity that his sister, Emily, had going on. When her friends were over and playing badminton in the yard or swimming in the pool, he was ubiquitous, like a little flea. He had a fierce bond with his brother and sisters. They always rallied together in case of any threat from any outside source, including their parents.

Nick’s capacity for love was boundless. He was a very loyal friend. A requirement for a class he took in high school was to write a sermon. He chose the theme from John 15:13: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

In the summer of 2012, Nick met the love of his life. Chelsea and he were devoted to each other. He was happiest when he was with her and called her the other half of his orange. They shared a unique sense of humor and laughed together a lot. Their two cats, Floyd and Spaghet, would keep them entertained constantly. Their home was their happy place.

Nick had a heart overflowing with love. His family called him Lump o’ Love when he was small. That is how he will be remembered. His Uncle Mike put it like this: “You know, Nick really loved me. He always made sure I knew he loved me. No one does that. He did that. He was one in 7.8 billion.”

He is survived by his beloved wife Chelsea, his parents Jay and Linda (Windnagle) Eastman, his siblings and their spouses Cindy (Eastman) and Ralph Macks, Jeff and Courtney (Leh) Eastman, Emily (Eastman) and Clayton Smith, his maternal grandfather Earl Windnagle, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and a thousand friends. He loved every single one of them.

Funeral arrangements will be held Thursday, March 2 at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Drive, Rochester, MI. Visitation 3:00 – 5:00, with funeral service to follow at 5:00. To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at www.pixleyfh.com.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation can give to the family at https://gofund.me/f6628531.