Dr. Dumitru "Dan" Carstea
March 22, 1930 ~ May 9, 2019
An Amazing and Fulfilling Life of a Loving Husband, Devout Father and Child of God
Thank you Taty (Dad)…I will always be grateful to you
Dumitru Dumitru Carstea – March 22, 1930 - May 9t, 2019. Born in a small village just outside the city of Pitesti called Paduroiu. He was the son of Dumitru and Teadora Carstea. He was one (1) of 5 children. Married to his lovely life- long partner Eleanora Carstea.
The reasoning behind my father’s name being Dumitru, Dumitru is that in Romania the tradition is that each boy’s middle name will be their father’s first name. My grandfather’s first name was Dumitru and they named my father Dumitru as his first name so he is: Dumitru, Dumitru Carstea.
As a child and adolescent, he attended Military School in a town called Craiova.
He did very well and was commissioned to attend Officer School in Moscow (Romania was under Russian Rule at the time) but his father did not want that for his son knowing the pollical climate and unrest with Russia controlling Romania and he did not want his son to be a part of the Russian Army and influence. My father attended Politehnica University of Bucharest and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering.
He met his future wife (my Mom) on a field trip with the job while in the village where my Mom was staying (visiting relatives). They married and eventually, had my brother Julius and after 5 years attained a visa to come to the United States.
He loved this country, United States where he worked very very to learn the language, assimilate to the everyday life. He can tell you that the struggles and hardships he personally endured as an immigrant he would not give up for all the money in the world..because it made him love and appreciate his successes. Within months of living in the United States, my father learned enough of the English language (by himself) to apply and get accepted to Oregon State University where he earned his PhD in Soil chemistry. Truly amazing.
My father had a dignity about him that when there was any conflict, he handled it in a rational way. He was always happy to see you when you met him. He made you feel so welcomed and made you feel special. Like you are the only one in this world that matters. He always cared for people and helping them when they needed it.
He lived his life “by the book” not to cut corners but to take everyday life activities head on.
He always dreamed big. As a child, my father once told us that when he was on my grandparents farm, he was on top of a cow. With a stick in his hand, he yelled out loud…” I am going to America!!....New York City!. Little did he know that eventually he would fulfill his dreams by coming to the United States.
My father always helped us when needed…if we were in a situation, he would help solve your situation. My middle brother (Eugene) had just graduated from the University and wanted to attend graduate school. He was having a difficult time getting into top universities and felt a little discouraged. Sensing this, my father and Gene spent a whole weekend (doors closed in the room) preparing a presentation and write up to submit as part of his application package. After that, Gene received several acceptances from top universities where he eventually earned his PhD….my bother said that when he was getting acceptance letters he was “doing somersaults and back flips on the bed”. My father helped so many. He helped during college as well. He always said that an education is extremely important.
I consider my father a “Pioneer” because he and my mom came to the United States and my father was the first “Carstea” to wet foot into this country and worked hard, help raise a family and paved the way for other family members to come to this country.
My cousin Carmen received her doctor in medicine in Romania and arrived along with her husband here states as refugees hoping to stay and live here. They were trying to obtain and apply for green card and ultimately a citizenship. Time was limited as they were going to be deported soon. When they reached out to us, my father and mom (lovingly) immediately took them both in to our house. Took care of them, and my father (with compassion and care) prepared all the papers they need to stay in this country. Talking to the state department, the Romanian Embassy, writing countless letters and documents and to get Carmen into school for Medical entrance Acceptance to the United States medical profession. Eventually, Carmen and her husband where able to stay in this county. Carmen is now a very successful doctor living in Colorado. Her son now is a medical doctor. My father saved their professional lives and contributed to their happiness and welfare…truly amazing.
My father helped our Parish priest during a very contentious time in our Church as a small rogue group a people in the church where politically motivated to try to remove the priest (physically). My father being the president of the parish council stopped this from happening and eventually removed this rogue group from the church and helped our loving priest. My father stood for justice
He It was almost their life mission was to care for us all the time. My father always enjoyed making celebrations for friends and family.
He loved to engage with you how you felt and wanted to know about you. He made people feel that they were the most important person in the world.
When my father was “Santa Clause” during one of our friends Christmas Parties, my father would had out presents to everyone and they would come sit on him. One of their friends had bought in the last minute a relative to the party (Paula). When it was time for giving gifts my father (Santa clause) would call each person one by one. Paula thinking, she would not be called because she had just arrived last minute was in the back of the group. As Santa Clause each person one by one …he looked down in his bag and said…” I have a present for a special person…Paula!” Paula jumped in the air with a scream like a little girl getting a present would do…she was sooo surprised (as I was too because she just arrived). She ran to my father “Santa Clause” and hugged him so tight my father felt the force. She was so happy and did not want to leave his lap. She is a mature lady having grandchildren of her own but she was like a little girl!!....we all laughed and were happy. This was my father in a nutshell…making people feel important and happy!!
My parents were always there for all my sporting events from basketball, football, baseball rugby in college even fencing tournament that I participated in college. The even attended all my local men’s league basketball games. They truly care for their children.
I remember in high school while playing on the varsity basketball team, I had my first game and was running very late leaving the house as I was running late to get to the school to meet the team bus to travel to the opponents high school . Well as I was leaving my father just opened the garage door into the kitchen just coming back from work. He was visually upset knowing that I was still at home and haven’t left yet. He was so upset that he said that he would not attend my basketball game which would had been the first since he would never miss my games…well as I was just leaving I looked at him and said with a little smile “well it is at Stuart High School at 8 pm if you are interested”….he looked back and said…. No! I am not going!! I said good by and left. Later that night as our team was doing warm ups before the start of our game….I saw a silhouette of a man In the porthole of the gym dressed in a big furry trench coat with a Russian style hat (babushka) looking at the program …I had a big smile on my face and said “Taty”…heey!! As I waved at him. He had that look where he was trying to hold back from smiling. He later said he could not miss your game. Incidentally, I had one of my best games of the season…it showed how my father always loved and cared for us and I am so truly grateful. My father was wonderful and rp…I don’t care…I arrived early from work and I
How much my father meant to me – my father was a wonderful man! He taught me to be strong, never give up, work hard and honestly, to challenge the establishment if you need to. To be respectful of others and to always dream big!! My father had a huge heart, always lending his time, his writings and work to help others. He was always punctual on everything he did and ALWAYS kept his word!!...he always believed that your word and promises are meant to be kept…and defined you. If you needed to be helped financially, he would do so…it would be part of a plan that he would discuss with you. He wanted to help in a way that there is a plan in place for you to succeed! He loved people and engage with everyone…no matter who you were. He made you always feel special when he talked to you and was always intuitive….wanting to know about you. He looked at life as a big “project” that needed to be explored, dissected, challenged and enjoyed. He loved to laugh.
He touched so many people in so many ways…and positively impacted their lives….he did this from the heart. May God Bless You Taty.
BIRTHDAY CARD WRITTEN ON MARCH 22, 2019 (WHILE IN THE CARE HOUSE)
“Dear Taty
You have been a blessing for me and the family. Without you and Mom, I would not be where I am today. You taught me to be strong in life’s difficulties. To be honest, to be kind to people and respectful. To do the right things in life. To stand up for injustice and to take care of family.
I truly believe God brought me here from Houston and Ohio to be here in the DC area at this time in our lives and to be with you during this time.
You are truly a blessing from God and of a kind person who cares for the common man and a fighter for injustice. You lived your life honestly and fully and without any regrets. You’ve done everything by the book and lived a full life.
You’ve touched so many people in so many ways….you don’t realized. You impacted so many and changed their lives for the positive. You did this from your heart. You’ve loved your family, your wife and children. To have a full life is to make people happy and to fulfill your dreams (to come to US and live the American Dreams over and over again)….YOU LIVED A FULL LIFE. I love you with all my heart and thank you again for everything you’ve done for me and the family!
May God Bless you and keep you with Jesus Christ Almighty. I love you! You will Always be with me to carry on your life proudly!”
Your loving son,
Virgil
On Thursday, May 9, 2019, Dr Dumitru "Dan" Carstea passed away at the age of 89, ending his brief and difficult battle with cancer in Fairfax, Va. Surrounded by loved ones, he met his mortality with faith, courage and humor, the same traits that carried him throughout his life.
Dr. Dumitru Dumitru Cârstea was commonly known as Dan, and affectionately called Mitica. Dan was born in Păduroiu din Vale, Arges County, Romania on March 22, 1930. He was the fourth child of five and the youngest son to Marin and Teodora Carstea. Even at a young age, Dan showed some of his fearless and mischevious nature. While sheparding the familiy’s flock in a local meadow, Dan became distracted by birds singing in nearby trees. Trying to get close to one, he started climbing high but he lost his grip and fell. Fortunately he was found quickly, hanging by a small branch peirced through his arm. Fully recovered from the injury, the deep scar left on his arm became a reminder for him that reaching for your dreams can be challenging, but don’t listen when detractors tell you it’s out of reach.
Dan’s first ambition was to have a career in the military as an officer. He attended an elite military high school and excelled. However, with the political changes in Romania, and the communist party gaining control , an officer became a political position. Not wanting to continue in this direction, Dan turned to another passion, academics and the love of the land. He studied at the Romanian Academy – Institute of Agricultural Economics in Bucharest Romania where he earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Agricultural Engineering.
Dan continued to work at the academy where one of his tasks was to travel throughout the country to collect soil samples and advise local farmers. On one of these trips to the Transylvania province, Dan met Eleanor (Nora) Maria Tolci, an American student visiting her ancestral village. She was to become his partner for 63 years. They eventually were married in November 1956 in a secret wedding ceremony since approval from the local authorities was unobtainable. As the knowledge of his marriage became known, Dan was demoted from his position and had his salary significantly cut. Caught in the middle of Cold War politics, this hardship lasted for several years affecting his young family. With the help of the US government, he eventually was allowed to immigrate with Nora and son to the United States in 1961.
In the United States, Dan continued his studies at Oregon State University where he earned his Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Agricultural Science in 1965 and 1967 respectively. He eventually settled in the Washington DC area working for the Department of the Interior in 1969. In 1970, Dan was one in a group of scientists selected to be part of the newly forming Environmental Protection Agency, the EPA. His career spanned over 40 plus years in various government, private industry, and university positions. He was recognized with many merit awards in the fields of environmental studies, natural resource management, and energy.
Dan was very active in his community as well. He was a founding member for the Holy Cross Romanian Orthodox Church in Alexandria Virginia and held various offices through many years. He enjoyed helping people with all issues, especially the newly arrived immigrants becoming settled in a new country. Dan also participated in his children’s activities such as school projects and sports. Even with little knowledge of baseball, Dan volunteered as a coach for his son’s little league team and had modest success.
In retirement, Dan spent his time traveling with Nora across the world to many countries, visiting his children and grandchildren, and gathering with friends and family. He enjoyed hearing with pride the achievements made by his children and grandchildren. Dan also spent time writing and was the author of several books.
Dan is preceded in death by his wife Eleanor. He is survived by his sister Lenuta and his four children and two daughter in laws, Julius and Marilinda, Eugene and Jane, Virgil, and Adina. Dan is also survived by his sister Lenuta and his five grandchildren.
Dan was a true pioneer in his own right. He always dreamed big, and worked hard to achieve those dreams. He gladly helped others by sharing the knowledge he had gained from his own experiences. Dan faced life challenges head-on with honesty, fairness and always with a sense of humor.
He will be truly missed by many whose lives were touched by him.
Thank you Taty (Dad)…I will always be grateful to you
Dumitru Dumitru Carstea – March 22, 1930 - May 9t, 2019. Born in a small village just outside the city of Pitesti called Paduroiu. He was the son of Dumitru and Teadora Carstea. He was one (1) of 5 children. Married to his lovely life- long partner Eleanora Carstea.
The reasoning behind my father’s name being Dumitru, Dumitru is that in Romania the tradition is that each boy’s middle name will be their father’s first name. My grandfather’s first name was Dumitru and they named my father Dumitru as his first name so he is: Dumitru, Dumitru Carstea.
As a child and adolescent, he attended Military School in a town called Craiova.
He did very well and was commissioned to attend Officer School in Moscow (Romania was under Russian Rule at the time) but his father did not want that for his son knowing the pollical climate and unrest with Russia controlling Romania and he did not want his son to be a part of the Russian Army and influence. My father attended Politehnica University of Bucharest and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering.
He met his future wife (my Mom) on a field trip with the job while in the village where my Mom was staying (visiting relatives). They married and eventually, had my brother Julius and after 5 years attained a visa to come to the United States.
He loved this country, United States where he worked very very to learn the language, assimilate to the everyday life. He can tell you that the struggles and hardships he personally endured as an immigrant he would not give up for all the money in the world..because it made him love and appreciate his successes. Within months of living in the United States, my father learned enough of the English language (by himself) to apply and get accepted to Oregon State University where he earned his PhD in Soil chemistry. Truly amazing.
My father had a dignity about him that when there was any conflict, he handled it in a rational way. He was always happy to see you when you met him. He made you feel so welcomed and made you feel special. Like you are the only one in this world that matters. He always cared for people and helping them when they needed it.
He lived his life “by the book” not to cut corners but to take everyday life activities head on.
He always dreamed big. As a child, my father once told us that when he was on my grandparents farm, he was on top of a cow. With a stick in his hand, he yelled out loud…” I am going to America!!....New York City!. Little did he know that eventually he would fulfill his dreams by coming to the United States.
My father always helped us when needed…if we were in a situation, he would help solve your situation. My middle brother (Eugene) had just graduated from the University and wanted to attend graduate school. He was having a difficult time getting into top universities and felt a little discouraged. Sensing this, my father and Gene spent a whole weekend (doors closed in the room) preparing a presentation and write up to submit as part of his application package. After that, Gene received several acceptances from top universities where he eventually earned his PhD….my bother said that when he was getting acceptance letters he was “doing somersaults and back flips on the bed”. My father helped so many. He helped during college as well. He always said that an education is extremely important.
I consider my father a “Pioneer” because he and my mom came to the United States and my father was the first “Carstea” to wet foot into this country and worked hard, help raise a family and paved the way for other family members to come to this country.
My cousin Carmen received her doctor in medicine in Romania and arrived along with her husband here states as refugees hoping to stay and live here. They were trying to obtain and apply for green card and ultimately a citizenship. Time was limited as they were going to be deported soon. When they reached out to us, my father and mom (lovingly) immediately took them both in to our house. Took care of them, and my father (with compassion and care) prepared all the papers they need to stay in this country. Talking to the state department, the Romanian Embassy, writing countless letters and documents and to get Carmen into school for Medical entrance Acceptance to the United States medical profession. Eventually, Carmen and her husband where able to stay in this county. Carmen is now a very successful doctor living in Colorado. Her son now is a medical doctor. My father saved their professional lives and contributed to their happiness and welfare…truly amazing.
My father helped our Parish priest during a very contentious time in our Church as a small rogue group a people in the church where politically motivated to try to remove the priest (physically). My father being the president of the parish council stopped this from happening and eventually removed this rogue group from the church and helped our loving priest. My father stood for justice
He It was almost their life mission was to care for us all the time. My father always enjoyed making celebrations for friends and family.
He loved to engage with you how you felt and wanted to know about you. He made people feel that they were the most important person in the world.
When my father was “Santa Clause” during one of our friends Christmas Parties, my father would had out presents to everyone and they would come sit on him. One of their friends had bought in the last minute a relative to the party (Paula). When it was time for giving gifts my father (Santa clause) would call each person one by one. Paula thinking, she would not be called because she had just arrived last minute was in the back of the group. As Santa Clause each person one by one …he looked down in his bag and said…” I have a present for a special person…Paula!” Paula jumped in the air with a scream like a little girl getting a present would do…she was sooo surprised (as I was too because she just arrived). She ran to my father “Santa Clause” and hugged him so tight my father felt the force. She was so happy and did not want to leave his lap. She is a mature lady having grandchildren of her own but she was like a little girl!!....we all laughed and were happy. This was my father in a nutshell…making people feel important and happy!!
My parents were always there for all my sporting events from basketball, football, baseball rugby in college even fencing tournament that I participated in college. The even attended all my local men’s league basketball games. They truly care for their children.
I remember in high school while playing on the varsity basketball team, I had my first game and was running very late leaving the house as I was running late to get to the school to meet the team bus to travel to the opponents high school . Well as I was leaving my father just opened the garage door into the kitchen just coming back from work. He was visually upset knowing that I was still at home and haven’t left yet. He was so upset that he said that he would not attend my basketball game which would had been the first since he would never miss my games…well as I was just leaving I looked at him and said with a little smile “well it is at Stuart High School at 8 pm if you are interested”….he looked back and said…. No! I am not going!! I said good by and left. Later that night as our team was doing warm ups before the start of our game….I saw a silhouette of a man In the porthole of the gym dressed in a big furry trench coat with a Russian style hat (babushka) looking at the program …I had a big smile on my face and said “Taty”…heey!! As I waved at him. He had that look where he was trying to hold back from smiling. He later said he could not miss your game. Incidentally, I had one of my best games of the season…it showed how my father always loved and cared for us and I am so truly grateful. My father was wonderful and rp…I don’t care…I arrived early from work and I
How much my father meant to me – my father was a wonderful man! He taught me to be strong, never give up, work hard and honestly, to challenge the establishment if you need to. To be respectful of others and to always dream big!! My father had a huge heart, always lending his time, his writings and work to help others. He was always punctual on everything he did and ALWAYS kept his word!!...he always believed that your word and promises are meant to be kept…and defined you. If you needed to be helped financially, he would do so…it would be part of a plan that he would discuss with you. He wanted to help in a way that there is a plan in place for you to succeed! He loved people and engage with everyone…no matter who you were. He made you always feel special when he talked to you and was always intuitive….wanting to know about you. He looked at life as a big “project” that needed to be explored, dissected, challenged and enjoyed. He loved to laugh.
He touched so many people in so many ways…and positively impacted their lives….he did this from the heart. May God Bless You Taty.
BIRTHDAY CARD WRITTEN ON MARCH 22, 2019 (WHILE IN THE CARE HOUSE)
“Dear Taty
You have been a blessing for me and the family. Without you and Mom, I would not be where I am today. You taught me to be strong in life’s difficulties. To be honest, to be kind to people and respectful. To do the right things in life. To stand up for injustice and to take care of family.
I truly believe God brought me here from Houston and Ohio to be here in the DC area at this time in our lives and to be with you during this time.
You are truly a blessing from God and of a kind person who cares for the common man and a fighter for injustice. You lived your life honestly and fully and without any regrets. You’ve done everything by the book and lived a full life.
You’ve touched so many people in so many ways….you don’t realized. You impacted so many and changed their lives for the positive. You did this from your heart. You’ve loved your family, your wife and children. To have a full life is to make people happy and to fulfill your dreams (to come to US and live the American Dreams over and over again)….YOU LIVED A FULL LIFE. I love you with all my heart and thank you again for everything you’ve done for me and the family!
May God Bless you and keep you with Jesus Christ Almighty. I love you! You will Always be with me to carry on your life proudly!”
Your loving son,
Virgil
On Thursday, May 9, 2019, Dr Dumitru "Dan" Carstea passed away at the age of 89, ending his brief and difficult battle with cancer in Fairfax, Va. Surrounded by loved ones, he met his mortality with faith, courage and humor, the same traits that carried him throughout his life.
Dr. Dumitru Dumitru Cârstea was commonly known as Dan, and affectionately called Mitica. Dan was born in Păduroiu din Vale, Arges County, Romania on March 22, 1930. He was the fourth child of five and the youngest son to Marin and Teodora Carstea. Even at a young age, Dan showed some of his fearless and mischevious nature. While sheparding the familiy’s flock in a local meadow, Dan became distracted by birds singing in nearby trees. Trying to get close to one, he started climbing high but he lost his grip and fell. Fortunately he was found quickly, hanging by a small branch peirced through his arm. Fully recovered from the injury, the deep scar left on his arm became a reminder for him that reaching for your dreams can be challenging, but don’t listen when detractors tell you it’s out of reach.
Dan’s first ambition was to have a career in the military as an officer. He attended an elite military high school and excelled. However, with the political changes in Romania, and the communist party gaining control , an officer became a political position. Not wanting to continue in this direction, Dan turned to another passion, academics and the love of the land. He studied at the Romanian Academy – Institute of Agricultural Economics in Bucharest Romania where he earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Agricultural Engineering.
Dan continued to work at the academy where one of his tasks was to travel throughout the country to collect soil samples and advise local farmers. On one of these trips to the Transylvania province, Dan met Eleanor (Nora) Maria Tolci, an American student visiting her ancestral village. She was to become his partner for 63 years. They eventually were married in November 1956 in a secret wedding ceremony since approval from the local authorities was unobtainable. As the knowledge of his marriage became known, Dan was demoted from his position and had his salary significantly cut. Caught in the middle of Cold War politics, this hardship lasted for several years affecting his young family. With the help of the US government, he eventually was allowed to immigrate with Nora and son to the United States in 1961.
In the United States, Dan continued his studies at Oregon State University where he earned his Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Agricultural Science in 1965 and 1967 respectively. He eventually settled in the Washington DC area working for the Department of the Interior in 1969. In 1970, Dan was one in a group of scientists selected to be part of the newly forming Environmental Protection Agency, the EPA. His career spanned over 40 plus years in various government, private industry, and university positions. He was recognized with many merit awards in the fields of environmental studies, natural resource management, and energy.
Dan was very active in his community as well. He was a founding member for the Holy Cross Romanian Orthodox Church in Alexandria Virginia and held various offices through many years. He enjoyed helping people with all issues, especially the newly arrived immigrants becoming settled in a new country. Dan also participated in his children’s activities such as school projects and sports. Even with little knowledge of baseball, Dan volunteered as a coach for his son’s little league team and had modest success.
In retirement, Dan spent his time traveling with Nora across the world to many countries, visiting his children and grandchildren, and gathering with friends and family. He enjoyed hearing with pride the achievements made by his children and grandchildren. Dan also spent time writing and was the author of several books.
Dan is preceded in death by his wife Eleanor. He is survived by his sister Lenuta and his four children and two daughter in laws, Julius and Marilinda, Eugene and Jane, Virgil, and Adina. Dan is also survived by his sister Lenuta and his five grandchildren.
Dan was a true pioneer in his own right. He always dreamed big, and worked hard to achieve those dreams. He gladly helped others by sharing the knowledge he had gained from his own experiences. Dan faced life challenges head-on with honesty, fairness and always with a sense of humor.
He will be truly missed by many whose lives were touched by him.
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I’m sorry for your loss. While words fail to express the pain of losing a loved one, we look forward to the time when words will fail to express the joy of seeing them again. John 5:28,29.
thank you for the kind words and thoughts!
Thank you as well Sandra for your kind words and thoughts
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