Memorial Service Jan. 24 for Joel Epstein

Joel Joseph Epstein passed away peacefully on January 8, 2015 with his loving wife by his side. He was 62 years old.

Joel was born on January 23, 1952 to Morton and Charlotte (Isreal) Epstein. Joel graduated from Clarkstown North High School and attended Vassar College and Bowdoin College. He then joined the Army and attended the prestigious Language Institute in Monterey, California where he became a Russian Language Specialist. Joel was awarded the Meritorious Service Award for his efforts.

Upon returning from the Army, Joel owned Lock, Stock, & Barrel Restaurant in Bardonia for 23 years. For the past 14 years Joel has worked for the Town of Clarkstown as a Code Enforcer and Community Liaison. Joel’s passion for our town, its beauty and history, his stewardship for our open space, his personal concern for every resident and his unparalleled work ethic has left an indelible mark on the Town of Clarkstown.

Joel is survived by his wife of 20 years, Tamara, and his 2 children Max and Ava. He is also survived by his sister, Rachelle Epstein of NYC, and his brother Jesse Epstein. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Margery Epstein.

A memorial service to celebrate Joel’s life will be held on Saturday, January 24th, 2015 at 11am at Town and Country Caterers, 922 South Route 9W, Congers, NY 10920, (845) 268-9291. Joel had a great passion for nature and wildlife and was a lifelong birding enthusiast. Donations in his honor can be made to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Galloway Township, NJ.

The Facebook page Clarkstown-What They Don’t Want You To Know quoted Town Attorney Amy Mele:

Honor Joel’s memory by doing something “Joel-like” today. Pick up a piece of garbage from the road, visit an elderly resident who needs help, try to settle a neighbor’s dispute, take your dog for a walk at the Davenport Reserve, go for a walk on the Traphagen property where Joel used to play as a child, or visit one of the abandoned cemeteries that he so lovingly tended.

Or, harkening back to his ‘Lock, Stock and Barrel’ days in Bardonia, pour yourself a glass of something sweet and toast the memory of our dear colleague and friend.