William S Epstein

William S. Epstein, 82, of Satellite Beach, FL, passed away on August 11 surrounded by loved ones near and far. For the last year he fought heroically against an insidious cancer that failed to touch his magnificent mind or generous heart. As irreverent as he was brilliant, Bill's deadpan delivery made it nearly impossible to know if he was telling the truth or weaving a grand tale. He was equally comfortable with world leaders, Fortune 500 CEOs, and kids in his neighborhood. There wasn't a subject upon which he couldn't intelligently opine.

Born in Brooklyn, Bill attended high school at Brooklyn Tech before finding his way to Cornell University. There he met the love of his life, Joan Rose, to whom he was married for 58 wonderful years. After serving as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army, he earned an MBA from NYU while launching his career at Bankers Trust Company. In 1985 he was named Latin American Banker of the Year for his innovative debt restructuring accomplishments. His work included stints at Republic National Bank, Fieldstone Group, First NH Bank, and Earnings Performance Group.

Approachable, humble, and adventurous, Bill had a remarkable ability to achieve balance amid chaos and competing demands. Nothing was more important than family and close friends. He always sought to help those in need, and his insights impacted many lives both personally and professionally. He hiked Machu Picchu and reached Everest Base Camp. He found inspiration in the music of Harry Chapin, courage in the life of Joshua Chamberlain, wisdom in the journey of his 111 year-old mother-in-law, solace on the beaches of Nantucket, and serenity beside his koi pond.

Words cannot adequately express how much those of us who knew and loved Bill will miss him. He is survived by his wife, two sons and their wives, five grandchildren, brother, and brother-in-law. We seek to honor his memory by savoring every moment of our brief lives, and by leaving the world a better place through charity, laughter, and storytelling.