Gerald Epstein

Gerald Epstein

Gerald Epstein, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2015 in Richmond, Virginia of complications from COPD. Jerry was born on May 21, 1945 in Denver, Colorado. He was the son of the late Gene H. and Natalie Goble Epstein.

Jerry was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1965-67. After completing his military service, Jerry visited family friends Marvin and Ellie Cohn in Clarksville. Impressed with the friendliness of people in Clarksville, he decided to stay there to attend Austin Peay State University. He graduated from Austin Peay in 1970 with a degree in accounting.

After graduation, Jerry moved to New York City to work for Lowengart Leather. He went on to work in production and quality control in the garment industry in the United States, Egypt, Singapore, Russia, and other countries.

When he returned to the United States after many years working abroad, Jerry settled with his family in Richmond, VA. He opened Grove Avenue Coffee and Tea where he served homemade baked goods along with the coffee and tea. Jerry had learned his baking skills in his grandfather's Denver bakery where he worked as a teenager. Jerry was a gregarious person who made Grove Avenue Coffee and Tea a popular place for good coffee and tea, delicious food and lively conversation. He closed the business when he retired in 2005.

Jerry is survived by his beloved daughter, Emily Tatyana Epstein; his former wife, Elena Boyle; former mother-in-law, Tatyana Trushina; many friends; and his good dog, Hobbs.