David J. Epstein

David Joel Epstein, 80, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026 in Coatesville, PA. Born on March 16, 1945, in Bronx, NY, David was the youngest of three sons to the late Pearl and Marvin Epstein. He grew up in a multi-generational home in the Bronx; with his parents, older brothers Howard and Melvin, and his grandmother, Gussie (Grandma Toosie). To get a break from the city, he, along with his brothers and cousins spent their summers at Camp Wekeela (AKA Camp Watchagoomie on the shores of the Wiki Waki).

A proud alumnus of DeWitt Clinton High School, David was known to burst into the school's fight song at the mention of the school. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from New York University and his master's degree from Baruch College, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in banking. Over the years, he served with Manufacturer Hanover Trust in New York, Commonwealth National Bank in Harrisburg, PA, and Chevy Chase Savings and Loan in Bethesda, MD . After 30 years of working in commercial loan servicing, David pivoted to government work where he spent 20 years in federal service; working for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and finished his career as the Director of Financial Systems Integration for the Department of Treasury.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, David was a man of deep loyalty and warmth. He was the beloved cornerstone of his family-a devoted husband, a guiding father, and a doting grandfather and uncle.

Many family gatherings consisted of David behind the camera. As an amateur shutterbug, he enjoyed capturing the family's candid moments. No family gathering was complete without the obligatory group photo and the groans that followed the request. These moments often ended up in the family calendar, or personalized on drinkware, office supplies, luggage tags, drink coasters, earning him the nickname of "Grandpa Fly". We knew what to expect when we got an orange Shutterfly package wrapped in newspaper.

After retiring, David channeled his personal experience, skills, and knowledge and joined the board of the APBD Research Foundation. He worked tirelessly to generate awareness about the disease and funding for the foundation. He helped dozens of patients sign up for the APBD patient registry. He was the go-to problem solver for any hiccups with the registry. He was the Foundation's money watchdog, assuring that our precious dollars were accounted for and being stretched as far as they could go.

David is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Laura (Feinberg) Epstein; his son, Gary and wife Nicole; his daughter Andrea and husband Eric Poe; and his cherished grandchildren, Casey, Nate, and Eric Jr.; and his brother Melvin. His legacy of love also lives on through his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom he adored.

In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Sheila Epstein, and niece Jackie Epstein.

A memorial service and burial will be held at 1:00pm on January 8, 2026, at Chisuk Emuna Cemetery in Harrisburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in David's memory to the APBD Research Foundation.

The family understands that not everyone is able to be present in person and warmly welcomes all to join the service through a live stream beginning at 12:45 p.m.