Scott Owen Epstein

Media man, professional wrestling agent and talent booker Scott Epstein of Oceanside, known to all as "M.A.C.H.O." died in an automobile accident on Friday, December 27th, 2013, 4 days after his 64th birthday. Epstein was responding to an emergency at the home of his children in Hewlett at approximately 1AM when his car turned over on a curved road. Doug Torbor, Ex-Captain of the East Rockaway Volunteer Fire Department told News 12 Long Island that accidents occur frequently at the crash location. He stated further that for over 30 years he has worked on victims that have been severely injured or killed as the result of multiple one-car accidents at that location on Main Street near the Hewlett/East Rockaway border.

Epstein made his mark in the wrestling and body building communities as a published author, editor, photographer and respected promoter. His father-in-law, fitness pioneer Dan Lurie (who pre-deceased him by 7 weeks), gave him his start as Editor and Chief of Muscle Training Illustrated Magazine. Together, they then launched Wrestling Training Illustrated and many other genre publications. Epstein blazed a path in the industry during the 1970's and 80's, developing and setting trends that continue to this day. Along with writers/photographers George Napolitano, Bill Apter, and Frank Amato, Epstein was named one of the "Four Horseman": the only people allowed to take photos ringside at WWF/WWE Madison Square Garden events. During this era Epstein became a fixture on the pro bodybuilding and wrestling circuit forging indelible ties between the two industries.

Remarkably, Scott balanced his role in wrestling entertainment while maintaining a teaching career in New York CIty for over 30 years. He officially retired in 2002 after working primarily in Far Rockaway and other Queens areas as a teacher and Asst. Principal.

Since his retirement in 2002 Epstein was a beloved and constant fixture on the celebrity and fan fest circuit of autograph signings at huge events such as Wizard World and ComicCon. Universally he was admired in the industry as a man with a heart of gold who "could be trusted with other peoples money". Macho looked out for everyone. He was "the man in the suit", known for his striking smile, big mustache, flamboyant style and raspy voice. In 2008, Epstein was a consultant on the Academy Award nominated film "The Wrestler" produced by Darren Aronofsky and he can be seen in in a cameo role in the movie. He frequently appeared at events with iconic wrestlers including Superstar Billy Graham, Tony Atlas, Bob Backlund, Superfly Jimmy Snukka, Seargent Slaughter, Greg the Hammer Valentine, Terry Funk, The Iron Sheik, and Hulk Hogan.

For the last 30 years MACHO was an icon of Coleman Country Day Camp in Merrick, NY, volunteering with children as a certified Challenge Course Instructor empowering children to go outside their comfort zones to build their self esteem and personal power. He was famous for his "leap of faith", diving several stories off the rock climbing wall, suspended by a harness and ropes. As MACHO-MAN (a nickname he first borrowed in jest from his buddy Randy Savage) he inspired generations of campers using the acronym for M.A.C.H.O. "My Actions Can Help Others".

Though it is customary for people "in the program" to remain anonymous, Scott spoke for decades against the use of drugs and alcohol. Epstein was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous, who maintained his sobriety for more than 30 years. At times, he served as director of youth groups at Temple Israel in Lawrence, Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Center and South Baldwin Jewish Center where he mentored teenagers. Scott was the Public Relations Director for "We're Kickin' It" a national campaign to end bullying across America. Inspired by his friend "Superstar" Billy Graham Macho was a passionate advocate for organ donation.

The stunning impact he had on others can be seen in the thousands of posts on all social media sites. Heartbroken, Epstein's wife and children say the outpouring of love and support expressed on line has been uplifting for the family. The common theme of support, trust, and tireless energy can be read in every line written about Scott by his clients and friends including famed WWE announcer Howard Finkel, Sean "Xpac" Waltman, Matt Hardy, Diamond Dallas Page, Bruno Sammartino, Baywatch star Brande Roderick, Gregory "Sugar" Shane Helms, Andrew "The Reinforcer" Anderson, Traci Brookes, Jay Lethal, Mick Fowly, Alicia Nicole aka Ryan Shamrock, Kevin Nash, Actor Jose Hernandez Jr, Brutus The Barber Beefcake and many others.

Epstein is survived by his wife Ash Mills-Epstein, his three children Ian, Cary and Ilissa, his step children Jennifer and Schuyler (wife Valerie), his grandchildren Tristan & Ryland Mills & Brittany and Kaylee Belcher. Scott's ex-wife Shelly Lurie is also grieving his loss. He is survived by his mentor and Uncle Hal Margulies and Aunt Anita Margulies, Aunts Ida Levine, and Marion Margulies. Scott's many cousins will miss his daily phone calls. Scott's children follow in his footsteps in the fields of entertainment, education, camping, and volunteer work. The entire family is inspired by Scott to live passionately and carry his legacy forward by doing as much for others as he did.