Harry Epstein

Harry Epstein, affectionately known as "Hesh," was born on November 24, 1929 in the Bronx, New York. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School and City College of New York. Being a New Yorker, Hesh was an avid Yankees fan. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951, he was stationed for two years in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and Sausalito, California, often referring to these days as his ‘sleep-away camp.’ Soon after his service ended, Hesh met Zelda at a dance in Manhattan and the rest is history. They married on September 11, 1954. With two daughters, Rikki Susan and Randi, their family was complete.

For most of his professional career, Hesh was a furniture manufacturer's representative, traveling throughout the New York City area. Actively involved with his synagogue, he served as President of Temple Menorah in Little Neck, New York. In addition, Hesh was a passionate volunteer for numerous causes. Especially dear to his heart were his many years leading and organizing a group of volunteers at Creedmoor, a psychiatric institution in Queens, New York, as well as many fond memories of his time spent with his Columbus Lodge brothers of The Knights of Pythias.

Hesh and Zelda retired to Boca Raton, Florida in 1991. In the warm Florida sunshine, Hesh played a lot of golf, getting down to a 10 handicap, and even hitting a few hole-in-one shots. He became active in the Boca Lago community, serving as President of the Country Club, President of the Vistas at Boca Lago,and starting a Citizen Observer Patrol (COP) program to safeguard his community.

In appreciation of the excellent care he had received at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Hesh became an enthusiastic volunteer in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. He was also an active member of an Ostomy Support Group.

Hesh and Zelda enjoyed traveling, visiting places such as Russia and Italy. One of the most memorable highlights was their trip to Israel with the Weiner Cousins Club, a group of cousins that met three times a year for over 40 years.

He was predeceased by his parents, Minnie and Josef Epstein, and his beloved sister Pearl and brother-in-law Norman Steinberger.

Hesh passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 26, 2020 at the age of 90. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years Zelda; his daughters Rikki (Ron Shapiro) and Randi (Bruce Bernheimer); his grandchildren Garrett Shapiro, Carly Bernheimer and Justin Bernheimer; and his nephews Howard Steinberger (Karen Companez) and Stuart Steinberger (Joanne).

Memorial donations in Hesh's memory may be made to: The Arc of Northern Virginia, 2755 Hartland Road, Suite 200, Falls Church, VA 22043 or www.TheArcofNova.org