David Epstein USNR, WWII
Parachute Rigger 2nd Class
NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island
and NAS Key West
David Epstein at 22 yrs old. David Epstein, 95, born in Brooklyn, New York, passed away on Saturday, January 9th, 2016. David was a resident of Hollywood, Florida.
At 22, David became a Parachute Rigger 2nd Class, serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. David went onto VT-153 Squadron which was formed in NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island. It was at this training base that he met one of the pilots who eventually became a President of the United States George H. W. Bush (with whom he corresponded several times).
David was a wonderful NASFL Museum volunteer for many years, and he was in the Board of Directors. David enjoyed meeting with people, especially the young, as it was important for him to share his stories with others. He felt a responsibility to keep the memories and lessons from the past, alive. He was very supportive of veterans issues and was an active participant whenever he could.
David would drive to the Museum once or twice a week to help with tours, events, or paperwork; and when he couldn't drive any longer, his son Robert would drop him by. David was always a welcome, and helpful presence. He would lift people's spirits with his quick wit. He always had a joke for the moment, and sometimes it would take us a second or two to catch up to the clever meaning-- but he never failed to make us laugh. And he would laugh heartily with us.
Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca, gave David a Proclamation, designating September 27, 2013 as "American Icon David Epstein Appreciation Day" in Broward County, Florida.
David Epstein loved his "soulmate and friend Gloria" to whom he was married for 70 years. He was deeply saddened by her passing on November 29, 2014; however he felt it was important to keep on going, and participating in his community as long as he could. They will be missed.
DAVID EPSTEIN FUNERAL SERVICE
Will take place on Wednesday, January 13 at 10:00 am.
Beth David Memorial Gardens
3201 NW 72nd Avenue
Hollywood, Florida 33024
At 22, David became a Parachute Rigger 2nd Class, serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. David went onto VT-153 Squadron which was formed in NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island. It was at this training base that he met one of the pilots who eventually became a President of the United States George H. W. Bush (with whom he corresponded several times).
David was a wonderful NASFL Museum volunteer for many years, and he was in the Board of Directors. David enjoyed meeting with people, especially the young, as it was important for him to share his stories with others. He felt a responsibility to keep the memories and lessons from the past, alive. He was very supportive of veterans issues and was an active participant whenever he could.
David would drive to the Museum once or twice a week to help with tours, events, or paperwork; and when he couldn't drive any longer, his son Robert would drop him by. David was always a welcome, and helpful presence. He would lift people's spirits with his quick wit. He always had a joke for the moment, and sometimes it would take us a second or two to catch up to the clever meaning-- but he never failed to make us laugh. And he would laugh heartily with us.
Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca, gave David a Proclamation, designating September 27, 2013 as "American Icon David Epstein Appreciation Day" in Broward County, Florida.
David Epstein loved his "soulmate and friend Gloria" to whom he was married for 70 years. He was deeply saddened by her passing on November 29, 2014; however he felt it was important to keep on going, and participating in his community as long as he could. They will be missed.
DAVID EPSTEIN FUNERAL SERVICE
Will take place on Wednesday, January 13 at 10:00 am.
Beth David Memorial Gardens
3201 NW 72nd Avenue
Hollywood, Florida 33024
David & Gloria Epstein at a NASFL Museum Luncheon, 2012.
