Joseph Epstein

Joseph Epstein of Pflugerville passed away on December 6, 2010 at the age of 84. He was born on May 20, 1926 in New York City, New York. He was the only child born to Louis and Esther Blumstein Epstein. At the age of 19, he enlisted in the United States Marines Corps, and became a part of the 3rd Marine Division. He proudly served in the Pacific and bravely fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. He participated in the repatriation of Chinese prisoners during World War II, and was an active member of the Iwo Jima Survivors Association. Joseph received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1953 from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree, he furthered his education at Brooklyn Law School and the University of Cincinnati. Later, he was an instructor at George Washington University. Joseph continued his career as an engineer at NASA, the Goddard Space Flight Center. While working at NASA, he was recognized for his numerous publications about space programs and practices. After leaving NASA, Joseph was Chief Engineer at the Department of Energy in Washington, D.C. He developed many patents that are still used today in the ongoing exploration of space. After his retirement, he continued as an engineering consultant. On May 28, 1950, Joseph married Selma Schechtman; they raised their four children while living in Baltimore. In 2003, the couple moved to Pflugerville to be close to their family. His passion and heart was always with his wife, Selma, and his family. Joseph was a compassionate caretaker of his wife and will be greatly missed. Joseph’s hobbies included cooking and gardening. He was an avid swimmer whose athletic skills included tennis, handball, and volleyball, and he enjoyed playing tennis with his children. He is preceded in death by his son, Leslie Epstein. Surviving Joseph is his wife of 60 years, Selma Epstein; children, Meta Epstein, Bonney Epstein, Josh Epstein and his wife, Paulette Epstein; grandchildren, Tierney, Brian, Philippe, Jean-Marie, Vincent, Frankie, Simon, Marianne, Elizabeth, Edith, Mathilde, and Joseph; and many great-grandchildren. He used to say that he had so many grandchildren that the only way to remember them all was to start with the oldest and work his way down the list. In lieu of flowers and customary remembrances, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the Iwo Jima Survivors Association, www.sosiwojima.com. Graveside Services will be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 9th day of December, 2010 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen.

Condolences may be made at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com