Arnold-Epstein-Obituary

Arnold "Tuffy" Epstein

Omaha, Nebraska

1935 - 2022

About

LOCATION
Omaha, Nebraska

Obituary

Send Flowers

Epstein, Arnold "Tuffy" 1935 - 2022Arnold "Tuffy" Epstein lived a musical life. During a career that spanned 70 years, the noted Omaha jazz musician performed with ensembles of all types, from combos and other small groups he fronted to big bands, the Omaha Symphony and the Intergeneration...

Read More

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

I am listening to KVNO 90.7 fm . Tuffy's daughter Marti is Ben Rasmussen guest and I am learning about Tuffy for the 1st time. Sounds like he was a wonderful musician, but more importantly an amazing teacher who touched the lives of dozens throughout his years of teaching music and encouraging his students. I took private flute lessons in 1974 and quit after 1 year. I'll bet if I had Mr. Epstein as an instructor, I'd still be playing. I'm 62 now, but maybe I'll try taking it up again. God...

I have often thought of Mr. Epstein over the years. He is the reason I love cello to this day! He saw something in me that I never saw in myself! I'm so sorry for his passing.

I have often thought of Mr Epstein since he taught me to play the Viola at Nathan Hale Jr High! I have always regretted not continuing to learn, despite his urgings! I was blessed with listening to him at concerts outside of school, he was always gracious when I approached him at such events. I have recently decided to take up the Viola. I'm now 63! Days, dates, when...it was yesterday! I loved every minute of my time in his class! Deann Rae Jensen

So sorry for the late response, but I just found out about his passing. I was talking to a friend at work about teachers who inspired me and Mr. Epstein was the 1st teacher that came to mind. I was in his band class for 3 wonderful years at Nathan Hale. I played drums and I always thought Mr. Epstein was a very talented musician and teacher and he always gave us plenty of encouragement and I could just tell he loved his job. I was honored to be one of his students and I will miss him.

Helen & family, we were saddened to read of your beloved, Tuffy´s passing in the Jewish Press. We have such fond memories of seeing him play his instruments & at the J. He will be remembered as a great talent & mensch. Debbie & Larry Maschino Cave Creek, AZ

I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I was a student of his at Nathan Hale Jr High School's 76/'77, 77/78,78/79 school years. He was always a very large looming presence but had a heart of gold. He was strict but nurturing. He gave me my style of drum playing and provided constant interest-building lessons for the expansion of instruments to play. He loved music and his students, I am sorry I missed his service on the 12th. Larry L Anderson 4026892433 [email protected]

My condolences to Arnold's wife and family. I taught at Hale many years while he was there but in very different departments. It was a pleasure to be on the same faculty with such a devoted teacher.

I had the pleasure of taking private flute lessons from Mr. Epstein when I was a teen. He was a true inspiration. My sincere condolences to the family.

When i was a teen, I made a couple trips back to Omaha from LA, and stayed with my uncle Tuffy and Aunt Helen. He brought me to a wild blues jam, introduced me to teaching (which led to a forty year career), and was the first person i saw who had a garden in their backyard...been growing food ever since...blessed my wedding with his beautiful flute...Tuffy was what love sounds like