Philip Epstein

FITCHBURG -- Philip Epstein, 86, of Fitchburg, for many years the owner and manager of the Economy Paint store in Fitchburg, died on Saturday, March 22, after a long illness.

He leaves his wife of 60 years, Ruth “Ginger” Epstein; three daughters, Gail wife of Morris Rosenberg of Seattle, Marlene wife of James Schick of Ojai, Calif., and Laurie wife of Joseph Ciccolo of Stoughton; two sisters-in-law, Sylvia Epstein of Worcester and May Epstein of Leominster; six grandchildren, Dori and Max Rosenberg, Eric and Ivan Schick and Nicole and Alex Ciccolo; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Hyman Epstein and Ralph Epstein.

He was born in Worcester and was a son of Samuel and Sadie (Stayman) Epstein.

He grew up in Worcester, where he recalled seeing the Hindenburg flying over the city when he was in grade school. Phil always had an interest in airplanes and spent so much time watching planes at the Grafton Airport that one of the pilots took him under his wing, giving him flying lessons through Desjardins Brothers Air Service until he received his pilot’s license while still in his teens.

Phil enlisted in the Navy during World War II and spent the war flying blimps. While stationed in Florida, he met his future wife Ruth “Ginger” Gruber, who he called “the most beautiful girl in the world.” He often regaled his children with how he risked breaking curfew in order to court her. Phil and Ruth married in 1947, settled in Leominster, and had three daughters.

After the war, Phil concentrated on helping his two older brothers, Hyman and Ralph, in establishing the Economy Paint store chain in Central Massachusetts. His greatest satisfaction in business was developing relationships with companies and gaining customers’ trust in his products and in himself.

He continued his interest in airplanes, building models and flying them whenever he could.

He was a member of the Lighter Than Air Association, a member of the Masons and of the Chamber of Commerce. As a longstanding member of Congregation Agudat Achim, he was a regular participant in the Thursday Morning Minyan Services.

His sense of humor, his devotion to his family and the twinkle in his beautiful green eyes will be sorely missed.

The family wants to express a heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at the Peter Levine Cancer Center at UMass Medical Center.

EPSTEIN -- Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 24, in Congregation Agudat Achim at 268 Washington St., in Leominster. Burial will be in Holy Society Cemetery in Worcester. Memorial Observance will be held through Monday evening, March 24, at his residence. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Peter Levine Cancer Center, 33 Kendall Street, Worcester, MA 01605, or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 220 North Main St., Suite 104, Natick, MA 01760. Perlman Funeral Home of Worcester is directing funeral arrangements.