Jeffrey M. East, 50, of Shrewsbury formerly of West Roxbury, passed away peacefully on August 18th, 2017 under the loving care of his family from brain cancer. He is survived by his wife Ethel (Izquierdo) East and their children, Raymond, Victoria, and Elizabeth, of Millis, MA. Jeff was the devoted son of Raymond and Karen (Holmes) East of Shrewsbury, MA. He was the beloved brother of Debra (East) Villani and her husband James and their children, Heather, Danny, and Michael, of Hopkinton, MA. Jeff is predeceased by his baby sister, Heather East. He leaves many caring aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. Jeff will be missed by numerous dear friends and many respected colleagues.
Jeff was born on January 13, 1967 in Needham, MA. He was a 1985 graduate of Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, MA, where he participated on the golf team, developed an interest in politics and government, and most importantly, formed many treasured lifelong friendships. Jeff graduated from Boston College in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He continued his post graduate studies in Business Administration at Nichols College and Harvard University. Jeff enthusiastically followed local and national politics and participated in numerous political campaigns. He also enjoyed reading and history.
Jeff was an accomplished corporate executive in the healthcare management and consulting industry for 25 years. Jeff’s early career began within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. He proceeded to serve as Vice President for the Northeast at Vizient (VHA/Novation) and President and CEO of Masspro as well as his own consulting firm, Health Innovation Group. His expertise in health economics earned him numerous Board of Director positions. His career brought him to many places, and he enjoyed traveling.
Jeff’s most recent work included several entrepreneurial ventures of which he was most proud. Jeff was EVP/COO at Beyond Limits, a Caltech start-up artificial intelligence (AI) and cognitive computing company. In addition, he partnered as EVP at CureLab Oncology, a biotech start-up cancer research company. Jeff’s work also encompassed humanitarian efforts. He was an Executive Producer at Rock Against Trafficking, a non-profit corporation dedicated to ending human trafficking through music and notable celebrities.
Jeff will be remembered as kindhearted, smart, loyal, generous, and deeply committed to his faith. Jeff’s greatest blessings and pride were his three children, Raymond, Victoria, and Elizabeth.
Family members are welcome for a private visitation at the P.E. Murray-F.J. Higgins George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 2000 Centre Street, West Roxbury on Thursday, August 24th, 2017 from 8:30-9:30am. Following this, family and friends are kindly invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 10:00am at St. Theresa of Avila Parish, 2078 Centre Street, West Roxbury and the interment at St. Joseph Cemetery, 990 LaGrange St. West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, please consider offering an act of kindness in Jeff’s memory. His family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to VNA Hospice Care.