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Ian Epstein Obituary

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of IAN DOUGLAS EPSTEIN, who left us tragically on January 29, 2025, at the age of 53. Ian was a loving father, stepfather, husband, brother, and uncle. His family was his world, and his warmth, kindness and sense of humor will be missed deeply by all who knew him. A man of many passions, Ian's love for life was infectious. He had a deep love for traveling, always seeking new places and experiences. His love of golf, food and fine wine was matched only by his joy in sharing those passions with others. Ian's career as a flight attendant brought him immense joy, and he was grateful for the opportunities it gave him to connect with people and explore the world. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, adventure, and love.

He is survived by his wife, Debra Joel Epstein, children, Joanna Epstein, Hannah (fiance, Joshua Rowley) Epstein, Carina Finn and Kayla (Lauren) Morgan, his sister, Robbie (Steven) Bloom and his brothers, Brian (Ashley) Epstein and Zachary Epstein and granddaughter, Lilah Morgan. He is also survived by many beloved nieces. Ian was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Dborah Slapcoff Epstein, and will be forever remembered by his family and friends.

A celebration of Ian's life will be held in Charlotte, NC. May Ian's memory live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Arrangements entrusted to TORCHINSKY HEBREW FUNERAL HOME, 202-541-1001.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Feb. 4, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Ian Epstein

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Single Memorial Tree

Brian Rynott

Planted Trees

Joyce Madison

February 16, 2025

I was on a flight with him, I believe on January 16. He was amazing. When I saw the accident, I knew it had to be him. You don't know me, but please accept my prayers for healing for your family.

Manny Taveroff

February 13, 2025

So saddened to hear of this tragedy, our hearts are with you in this difficult time. Great memories growing up with Ian in Montreal. Rest in peace brother.

Allison Levie

February 8, 2025

As a weekly business traveler I was on Ian's flights several times and while I did not know him personally it was always a pleasure to see him and to exchange pleasantries. His sense of humor was legendary and he was a true original. Zichrono livracha, may his memory be a blessing.

Joy Williams

February 6, 2025

My mom and I had the pleasure of meeting Ian on our flight from Daytona to Charlotte. He was one on of those people you can meet once and never forget! I know he is missed by so many, and especially his family.

Jane Sanford

February 6, 2025

I only met Ian for not more than a hour on a flight on American Airlines from Daytona to Charlotte. Never before had I experienced the joy that he added to that one short flight. My daughter Joy and I realized tonight that we were blessed to have had him come into our lives. Thank you to his loved ones for sharing his light with us.

Karen Gier Crawford

February 6, 2025

I only became aware of Ian after the tragedy. Although I never met him, I feel as if I knew him through all of the videos and posts. He has left a tremendous impact on everyone. He sure has my heart hurting here in Jackson Michigan. Godspeed to all who knew and loved him. Big hugs from far away

Krystal from Minnesota

February 6, 2025

I never had the pleasure of meeting Ian but I've spent countless hours watching videos of him and I just know how deeply good of a person he was. I am so horribly sorry for your loss, my heart hurts for all who loved him. Sending so much love and light.

Diane McCarthy

February 6, 2025

I met Ian on November 9, 2024 on my flight from Melbourne to Charlotte. I boarded the plane in severe back pain. Without any hesitation, Ian brought my sister and I a glass of wine. He said it would help my pain. What helped my pain was his sense of humor for our entire flight. He had us laughing so much. The loss of Ian is a tragic loss to the world as he was the presence we all need...fun, smiles, happiness, kindness and love. May he rest in eternal peace

Jane Turner

February 6, 2025

I am 99% sure I came in contact with this man on a flight last year. His charming personality light up the area.. he was one of a kind. I am so sorry to be seeing he was the flight attendant on this flight. What a horrific tragedy. May he forever rest in peace and may God watch over his entire family as the grieve the loss of this special man.

Beth Rainier

February 5, 2025

I never met Ian, but my husband is also a flight attendant. Please accept my deepest condolences at this very difficult time. May his memory be a blessing.

Joie and Louis

February 5, 2025

Blessed to have met such an amazing soul on a flight. My deepest condolences to the family. My heart is broken. May the peace and comfort of God surround you during this time.

Anissa Jacob

February 5, 2025

Hi there. I am one of the many passengers that has had the privilege to fly amongst Ian from North Carolina into Daytona. I pray Ian's family & friends find peace & encourage during this time in bereavement. Ian I know God has accepted you into his kingdom. RIP

Aundra & Latisha

February 5, 2025

Sending our condolences & prayers for family and friends of Ian Epstein. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Rest In Eternal Peace Mr. Epstein you were an inspiration to the world now through all the memories people share with you through their videos and photos as you touched so many lives with your sense of humor and also making people feel at ease on their flights with you.

Dalia Mermelstein

February 5, 2025

I´m so sorry. You made such an incredible impact on the lives of so many people.

FA Richardene a.k.a. Amanda

February 5, 2025

Sending lots of prayers, love and hugs to the Epstein family!!!! I worked with Ian and Ian worked one of commute to and from Charlotte. I am truly going to miss Ian´s smile and jokes. Ian was a great man who always made everyone smile and laugh, especially with his jokes, singing and dancing . If someone was having a bad day, Ian would have a conversation with that person and let them know it is okay to smile. Ian wasn´t just a flight attendant who came to work and just work to get through the day, Ian was a flight attendant who came to work and help everyone get through the day. Ian holds a special place in everyone´s heart who loves him and came in contact with him. Thank you for all of the memories with our colleagues and friends. You will truly be missed. RIP Ian.

Cynthia Gerald

February 5, 2025

My very deepest condolences to family, friends, and fellow passengers that were Blessed to meet Ian. I met Ian on a flight from CLT to Louisville KY, what an absolute joy he made this flight! We laughed so much, he was the type of person you just do not forget. When I seen his picture on the news as one of the flight attendants on that flight, my heart sank, I immediately remembered him, how amazing of a person he is to leave such an impression on a stranger that only met him once. Thank you Ian for your kindness and love you expressed to all you came in contact with. God needed you as one of his Angels, rest in peace I strive to spread love and joy to all as you did!

A fellow coworker

February 5, 2025

*Ex wife...
Saddens me to have lost such an amazing spirit in this world. Even more difficult to see the facts skewed. Ian was a loving human, adored by so many. Fly high, Ian. See ya in the afterworld

Kevin and Rosa ciccone

February 5, 2025

We are so sorry for this loss. He was a great man. Please accept our deepest condolences. We will miss him! Kevin and Rosa ciccone

Single Memorial Tree

Emily

Planted Trees

Emily

February 4, 2025

I did not have the pleasure of knowing Ian myself, but ever since I saw his picture I just KNEW what an amazing person he was. He radiates love, kindness, and compassion. This gut feeling was confirmed by hearing countless stories of him helping passengers and making flights unforgettable. Rest in peace, Sir, and thank you for everything you did. To your family - words cannot express how sorry I am. If you ever create a Go Fund Me, I will be the first to donate. Please know that people around the world are sending you their love during this horrible, horrible time.

Jude Barrilleaux

February 4, 2025

Sending my prayers and love to the Epstein family. Ian was a ray of light that brightened this crazy world. Thank you, Ian, for the many laughs and memories when I had to the privilege to work with you. You will be missed. Fly high my friend.

Amanda

February 4, 2025

I had a flight with Ian. At the time I was at my lowest point in life. I was suicidal, I didn´t know if I wanted to wake up the next day after I flew back home. I had boarded the plane with plans to put in headphones and not talk to anyone. When I boarded Ian greeted me with a smile that healed parts of me I had hidden my entire trip to see family. He asked how I was doing and I started crying. He gave me one of the biggest hugs, and he had the people behind me boarding wait just 10 seconds so he could tell me "I don´t know why you´re crying, but I want you to know you make this world better by being here, and I´ll bring you extra snacks, just promise me that I´ll see you again"

I never got another flight with Ian, but when I was getting off the plane he asked if he could give me another hug and he told me "keep your chin up kiddo, life has so so much to offer and you´re bound to do some amazing things"

To his family, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Ian was and forever will be an amazing person and the main reason I am still here today.

Dale and Melanie Calkins

February 4, 2025

Sincere condolences from the Calkins Family

Tom Powers

February 4, 2025

Ian played golf with our group of about 50 men on Tuesdays and Thursdays when he was available. We all enjoyed his infectious laughter and great humor. He also hit many very good golf shots. We will miss him.

Morgan

February 4, 2025

Ian was one of the flight attendants on the very brief flight from Charlotte to Asheville the day after Christmas. It was quite literally the most fun flight I have ever been on--I texted my family and even a few friends after we landed saying it was the best flight I'd ever been on because the flight attendant was THAT good, and it's true. It was like I'd attended a comedy show. I made sure to get Ian's full name because I wanted to find a way to let American Airlines know what an incredible job he did. He made sure every single person on the flight laughed. It is so clear that man was a gem--his light/energy is unmatched.

Sending so, so, so much love to Ian's family and friends. I hope there's comfort in knowing how many lives he touched, and how many smiles and laughs he brought to total strangers. Godspeed!

Maggie Fox

February 4, 2025

I did not have the pleasure of meeting Ian but have heard only great things about him. I work for a different regional airline but rest assured that anyone that wear the wings of our industry feel his loss. We are all united by wings and offer you the deepest of condolences in your loss. We all support you at this devastating time.

Don Hermanek

February 4, 2025

I was so fortunate to have met Ian on a flight last year, and I must say in over 60 years of flying and 76 years of life, very few people have left a lasting impression on me as Ian did. His spirit for life and true compassion for people caused me to want to emulate and be. More of the wonderful person that he was. After that flight, Ian and I began a friendship that included frequent texts and phone calls, and was soon t o include a dinner with that fine wine and food that he so enjoyed. As brief as it was, the lasting effect Ian left on me will truly be treasured. He left me and this world a so much better place with his presence..and rest assured the fellow souls on 5342 left on their final journey with happiness in their hearts thanks to Ian. Godspeed and God Bless my dear friend.

Tish Swanson

February 4, 2025

My deepest condolences to the family! I recall having him as a flight attendant, and he was so friendly and witty. He made the flight a pleasure. You could tell he really loved his job.

Amie Napier

February 4, 2025

I met Ian in clt airport he was so nice last thing he said was be safe!! Something we say so often to one another. Fly high Ian you received your golden wings

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5

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

Chabad Center for Jewish Life

Charlotte, NC

Funeral services provided by:

Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home

254 Carroll St. NW, Washington, DC 20012

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