Obituary: Jack Merlin Epstein
Jack Merlin Epstein, 78, of Ellicott City, Md., formerly of Atlanta, passed away June 29, 2021, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Jack was born on June 25, 1943, in Atlanta, the son of Joseph Epstein and Sunny Merlin Epstein. He attended Henry Grady High School and the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he was a member of the AEPi fraternity. Following his graduation in 1965, Jack served as a special vehicle mechanic in the Air Force during the Vietnam War.
The proud Yellow Jacket worked as an engineer for The Coca-Cola Company for several years before moving to Miami to work at Sea Isle, Inc., with his father-in-law. In 1975, Jack and the family relocated to Maryland, where he started Hill’s Gourmet Gifts and later, Chesapeake Sales, a confectionary brokerage he ran until his retirement in 2017.
Jack enjoyed traveling, playing bridge and working on model trains. Following his retirement, he volunteered with the Assist Our Kids program through Howard County Public Schools, and loved spending time with and caring for his grandchildren. He was an active member of Temple Isaiah in Columbia, Md., and the Merlin Family Circle.
Jack was predeceased by his first wife Judi Kross Epstein, his parents Joe and Sunny Merlin Epstein, and his sister Ellen Schoeman. He is survived by his wife Lesley Greenberg; his sons Michael Epstein (Melissa Hammer), Adam Epstein (Amanda) and Marc Epstein; his brother and sister-in-law Sandy Epstein and Elizabeth Appley; his stepchildren Danny Greenberg (Lori), Michael Greenberg (Tamar) and Jessica Bowman (Jason); 10 grandchildren; two nieces; two nephews, his large extended family, and many dear friends.
Funeral services were held July 1 in Columbia, Md., and the family sat shiva at the family home in Ellicott City, Md. Donations may be made in Jack’s memory to Hadassah.
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