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Arnold Epstein Obituary
1935 - 2022
Arnold "Tuffy" Epstein lived a musical life. During a career that spanned 70 years, the noted Omaha jazz musician performed with ensembles of all types, from combos and other small groups he fronted to big bands, the Omaha Symphony and the Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha.
Born on August 17, 1935 in Omaha, Tuffy was a son of Harry and Jennie Epstein, who operated a small grocery in South Omaha.
"When I was 5, my mother thought it would be wonderful if I could play Hawaiian guitar," he said in a 2018 oral history. But after two years of lessons, he was done. "I just hated it."
Shortly after, while still a student at Castelar Elementary, he began playing saxophone. He later added clarinet and flute to his musical skillset.
Tuffy was a prolific performer at Omaha Central High School, where he was in the band, orchestra and jazz band. Graduating in 1953, he toured for a summer with a New York band and then enrolled in college, earning a Degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1958.
What followed was Military Service with the Air Force Band of the Rockies, a 33-year career teaching instrumental music in Omaha-area public schools, 12 years with the Omaha Symphony, a Master's Degree in Music from UNL, and hundreds of gigs, including Ak-Sar-Ben shows, weddings and other celebrations.
He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Jenny Epstein; a brother, Ira Epstein; and son, Michael Andrew Epstein.
Survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen Epstein; daughters, Marti Epstein and Danielle (Epstein) Sherman; son-in-law Drew Sherman; grandsons, Gideon Katz and Michael Sherman; brother Allen Epstein; and sister, Gloria Hyman (nee Epstein).
MEMORIAL SERVICE will be Monday, December 12, at 11am at Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California St. Memorials to the Milton Marcus Instrumental Music Endowment Fund at Beth El Synagogue, the Omaha Musicians Association, the Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha, or Prairie STEM.
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Memories and Condolences
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Gina Siracuse Halbur
April 5, 2024
I am listening to KVNO 90.7 fm . Tuffy's daughter Marti is Ben Rasmussen guest and I am learning about Tuffy for the 1st time. Sounds like he was a wonderful musician, but more importantly an amazing teacher who touched the lives of dozens throughout his years of teaching music and encouraging his students. I took private flute lessons in 1974 and quit after 1 year. I'll bet if I had Mr. Epstein as an instructor, I'd still be playing. I'm 62 now, but maybe I'll try taking it up again. God Rest Tuffy's soul
Tamera Lovely (Greenwood)
March 21, 2024
I have often thought of Mr. Epstein over the years. He is the reason I love cello to this day! He saw something in me that I never saw in myself! I'm so sorry for his passing.
Deann R Kimble
February 7, 2024
I have often thought of Mr Epstein since he taught me to play the Viola at Nathan Hale Jr High! I have always regretted not continuing to learn, despite his urgings!
I was blessed with listening to him at concerts outside of school, he was always gracious when I approached him at such events.
I have recently decided to take up the Viola. I'm now 63!
Days, dates, when...it was yesterday! I loved every minute of my time in his class!
Deann Rae Jensen
Nicole Huber (Hohn was my maiden name).
May 2, 2023
So sorry for the late response, but I just found out about his passing. I was talking to a friend at work about teachers who inspired me and Mr. Epstein was the 1st teacher that came to mind. I was in his band class for 3 wonderful years at Nathan Hale. I played drums and I always thought Mr. Epstein was a very talented musician and teacher and he always gave us plenty of encouragement and I could just tell he loved his job. I was honored to be one of his students and I will miss him.
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Debbie & Larry Maschino
December 20, 2022
Helen & family, we were saddened to read of your beloved, Tuffy´s passing in the Jewish Press. We have such fond memories of seeing him play his instruments & at the J. He will be remembered as a great talent & mensch.
Debbie & Larry Maschino
Cave Creek, AZ
Larry Anderson
December 15, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I was a student of his at Nathan Hale Jr High School's 76/'77, 77/78,78/79 school years. He was always a very large looming presence but had a heart of gold. He was strict but nurturing. He gave me my style of drum playing and provided constant interest-building lessons for the expansion of instruments to play. He loved music and his students, I am sorry I missed his service on the 12th.
Larry L Anderson
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[email protected]
Jo Ann Peterson
December 14, 2022
My condolences to Arnold's wife and family. I taught at Hale many years while he was there but in very different departments. It was a pleasure to be on the same faculty with such a devoted teacher.
Mindy Hightower
December 14, 2022
I had the pleasure of taking private flute lessons from Mr. Epstein when I was a teen. He was a true inspiration. My sincere condolences to the family.
Mark Epsein
December 12, 2022
When i was a teen, I made a couple trips back to Omaha from LA, and stayed with my uncle Tuffy and Aunt Helen. He brought me to a wild blues jam, introduced me to teaching (which led to a forty year career), and was the first person i saw who had a garden in their backyard...been growing food ever since...blessed my wedding with his beautiful flute...Tuffy was what love sounds like
Earmon (Butch) Wilcher Jr
December 12, 2022
What a loss to the world music family. I met Tuffy in 1977 or 1978, my first years of teaching in OPS.
He was my daughters 7th grade strings teacher at Nathan Hale. I was so happy when our paths crossed in the Intergenerational Orchestra of Omaha. We talked at each IGO rehearsal, many times about his daughters. He was so proud of them.
I´ll miss you Tuffy.
John Kieffer
December 12, 2022
I knew Tuffy as a very talented band/orchestra director colleague & fellow member of the Omaha Symphony! Wonderfully gifted musician, possessed with a glorious sense of humor & simply a very special, caring man!
Sue Hamsa Heanue
December 12, 2022
From a former student and daughter of a friend of Tuffy my deepest condolences . He was a seeect man.
Jent Worley
December 12, 2022
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sonja Mullen
December 12, 2022
WOW what a Legacy! RIP Tuffy
Harriet Ivener(Goldstein)
December 12, 2022
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Mark Shifter
December 12, 2022
I learned my saxophone chops from Tuffy as a student of his in high school. I went from a middling alto player as a sophomore to first chair in the jazz band at Burke as a junior and first chair alto sax in the All-City Concert Band as a senior. Saxophone and music is still a part of my life. Thanks, Tuffy!
Marc S
December 12, 2022
Thank you for your military service
Marilyn Puett
December 12, 2022
So sorry to read this. Tuffy taught me many things as a first year teacher at Hale. He was a wonderful mentor and terrific musician. Marilyn Puett
Francis E Durham
December 12, 2022
Thank you for your Service May you be Granted an Honorable and Restful Peace
Dan Irvin
December 12, 2022
My brothers and I celebrate being part of the thousands introduced to music and enriched by this great teacher. Five years in his school bands, 9 years of private lessons, and as a professional woodwind player and middle school band teacher, Tuffy was/is my mentor and with God, the major designer of my life! THANK YOU Epstein family!
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