Jeremy Epstein Obituary

EPSTEIN--Jeremy Goldman, age 62, beloved husband and father, devoted son and brother, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 in New York City, NY. Born September 28, 1946, the son of Gayola Epstein and the late Joseph Epstein of Chicago IL, brother to Deborah Nord of Princeton NJ, Mr. Epstein is survived by his wife of more than forty years Amy, his son Josh, his daughter Abby and his son-in-law David Schumer. Mr. Epstein graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Columbia College in 1967 majoring in Greek and Latin. He was awarded a Kellett Fellowship to Cambridge University where he read Classics at Jesus College and was awarded a B.A. and M.A. He graduated from Yale Law School in 1972 and served as Law Clerk to the Hon. Arnold Bauman, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, from 1972-1974. He was the Assistant United States Attorney, Southern District of New York, from 1974-1978. Mr. Epstein was a partner at the New York law firm Shearman & Sterling in the Litigation Group and from 1995-2000 served as head of the Litigation Department. Mr. Epstein joined the firm in 1978 and became a partner in 1982. He was a Lecturer in Law at the University of Chicago Law School in 2008 and 2009, a Fellow at the New York Bar Foundation, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Director of the Legal Aid Society and listed in The Best Lawyers in America among many other legal, litigation and art-law related organizations. He was an active and engaged alumnus for Columbia College and Jesus College, Cambridge. He was a published writer on a range of legal topics, with his work appearing in The New York Times, The American Lawyer, National Law Journal, New York Law Journal and Presidential Studies Quarterly. A resident of Brooklyn, NY and Hudson, NY he loved long walks along the road in the country or the promenade in Brooklyn Heights. He had a deep intellectual curiosity and love for literature including but not limited to Shakespeare, Dickens, Philip Roth and the Greek classics. He loved Shakespeare in the Park, tennis at the US Open, Columbia College football games, Henry's End restaurant, his friends and colleagues, his pro bono cases and, above all, time with his family. Services will be held at 11:15am on Friday, July 24, 2009 at Riverside Memorial Chapel at 180 West 76th Street. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made in memory of Jeremy Epstein to either: the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation or to the Columbia College Annual Fund. The PKD Foundation is reachable at 1-800-PKD-CURE (1-800-753-2873) or via mail at: PKD Foundation 9221, Ward Parkway, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64114-3367. Contact information for Columbia College Annual Fund is 1-212-851-7488 or via mail at Columbia College Annual Fund, 622 West 113th Street, New York, NY 10025. Mr. Epstein will be remembered as an dedicated colleague, dear friend, tireless advocate, inspirational mentor, caring son and brother and a loving husband and father.

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Published by New York Times on Jul. 24, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeremy Epstein

6 Entries

Peggy Ross

July 27, 2009

Jeremy and I have not been in touch since high school. My last memory of him was when he enlightened me at our tennis club by soundly beating me. At 16 I considered him the consummate intellectual, a dry wit, a grown up, both a warm and cool guy, but it hadn't occurred to me that he could put those qualities to work in a tennis match. I am sorry we never reconnected and can only imagine what a lovely family Jeremy must have. My condolences to his family and to Debbie.

Dan Larson

July 27, 2009

I rejoice that Jeremy could see Abby and David get married…yet grieved he did not survive last week’s surgery.

Jeremy was a wonderful, talented person who’s life was cut way too short by PKD and the damage it causes; in spite of medicine’s best efforts, he died well before his time. For me this tragedy reinforces the importance of finding a treatment and cure for PKD – and makes me ever more grateful for people like Jeremy, Amy, daughter Abby, son Josh, – and others, who do so much to conquer PKD. May God bless his memory.

Eons ago King Solomon wrote, “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and He uplifts those who are crushed in spirit.” Such is my prayer for you Amy, Abby and your whole family; when your hearts feel broken over losing Jeremy – I pray God and His comfort will be extra close to you…and when the weight of grief seems to ‘crush’ your spirits – may God uplift, encourage and strengthen you.

Dan Larson - on behalf of the PKD Foundation's Board, volunteers and staff.

Bill Brazell

July 25, 2009

A brilliant and uncomplaining warrior, Jeremy had a titanic will. He adored his family. I met him only twice, but will never forget him.

Don Rotkopf

July 25, 2009

I will always cherish the memories of Jeremy walking Abby down the aisle. He will always be remembered warmly. My condolences to the family I love.

william aronwald

July 24, 2009

Jeremy was not only an exceedingly bright and exceptional lawyer, he was also compassionate, kind and generous with his time. He will be missed by all who knew him.
My sincere condolences to his family.

Elsie McCabe

July 24, 2009

The entire Board and staff of the Museum for African Art express our deepest sorrow to Jeremy Epstein and his family. He most ably represented the Museum for over eleven years on a pro-bono basis. Without his generosity and kindness, our success would not have been possible. He will be remembered always.

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