Joel Joseph Epstein

Joel Joseph Epstein passed away peacefully on January 8, 2015 with his loving wife by his side. He was 62 years old. Joel was born on January 23, 1952 to Morton and Charlotte (Isreal) Epstein. Joel graduated from Clarkstown North High School and attended Vassar College and Bowdoin College. He then joined the Army and attended the prestigious Language Institute in Monterey, California where he became a Russian Language Specialist. Joel was awarded the Meritorious Service Award for his efforts. Upon returning from the Army, Joel owned Lock, Stock, & Barrel Restaurant in Bardonia for 23 years. For the past 14 years Joel has worked for the Town of Clarkstown as a Code Enforcer and Community Liaison. Joel’s passion for our town, its beauty and history, his stewardship of our open space, his personal concern for every resident, and his unparalleled work ethic has left an indelible mark on the Town of Clarkstown. Joel is survived by his wife of 20 years, Tamara, and his 2 children Max and Ava. He is also survived by his sister, Rachelle Epstein of NYC, and his brother Jesse Epstein. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Margery Epstein.

A memorial service to celebrate Joel’s life will be held on Saturday, January 24th, 2015 at Town and Country Caterers, 922 South Route 9W, Congers, NY 10920, (845) 268-9291. Family and friends are welcome to arrive at 11am with service to begin promptly at 11:30am. In the event of snow, the service will be held on Sunday, January 25th, 2015. Joel had a great passion for nature and wildlife and was a lifelong birding enthusiast. Donations in his honor can be made to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Friends of Forsythe NWR, P.O. Box 355, Oceanville, NJ 08231 or at: http://www.friendsofforsythe.org/donate