Oscar Epstein

Oscar Epstein died August 31, 2015 after a long, cheerfully borne illness. A lifelong St. Louis resident, Epstein was born in 1925 — the son of lifelong St. Louis residents, Oscar and Hortense Epstein. He graduated from Clayton High School at age 16, then studied at Beloit College until he joined the U.S. Army Medical Corp. with which he served in Europe in World II, participating in the liberation of the concentration camps. Thereafter he returned to St. Louis, married Betsy Mendelsohn, a marriage of almost 70 years, and entered the family business, first at Epstein Pants Company, then with Klayman Pants Co., until he retired decades later. He and Betsy had three children and two grandchildren. They all found him a most memorable man. 

Oscar’s intelligence was quick, his memory strong, his grasp of numbers impressive, and his attention restless. These qualities made him a fine bridge player, a colorful storyteller, a calligrapher, a genealogist, an avid worker of puzzles, and a vivid companion. His decades of experience in St. Louis, Clayton, and University City produced a great abundance of recollections and anecdotes, which he was always willing to share, particularly if they had to do with the Cardinals.   

He is survived by his wife, his sons, Richard and Steven, his daughter Joanne, grandchildren Joshua and Aaron, his brother Martin, and a large extended family.  Services will be private.  Donation may be made to the charity of your choice.