Obituary of Ronald Epstein

Ronald Epstein 4/8/33-12/3/23

Ron Epstein, son of Ida and Theodore Epstein, died peacefully at home on December 3, 2023, surrounded by family.

Born on April 8, 1933 at Mercy Hospital, Ron was a native Denverite. He attended Park Hill Elementary School, Smiley Junior High School, and graduated from East High School in 1951.

Ron attended the University of Denver where he received both a BA and an MA in education.  He then became a dedicated teacher for 58 years, mostly at Hill Junior High School and George Washington High School. His students always remembered him as an influential mentor.

Ron was a renaissance man. He was a restaurateur, a numismatist, a real estate expert, a collector of antiques and jewelry, and an actor.

Ron was also the ultimate family man. He met the love of his life, Sara Jane Simon, in 1957, and they were happily married for 64 years. He was a supportive and amazing father to Terry Epstein (Jep Seman), Patty Epstein, David Epstein, and Will Epstein, and a loving Poppy to grandchildren Jordan and Taylor Ivey, Caroline and Abigail Seman, Alec, Bryn, and Paige Segall, and Lowen and Rose Epstein.

Ron is also survived by his sister Marilyn (Jerry) Snyder, and sisters-in-law Ruth Epstein and Vivian Epstein. Ron’s brothers, Fred Epstein and Ted Epstein, Jr., preceded him in death.

Ron was an uncle to many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, and a friend to countless people. 

Ron loved nothing more than to gather with his family and friends and tell stories. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a generous spirit, and advice and experience aplenty to share.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, December 7, at 1:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai in Denver, Colorado. Interment to follow at Emanuel Cemetery.  Livestream available on Temple Sinai’s website.

Ron’s family will be receiving condolence calls at the home of Sara Epstein, 3001 E. Alameda Ave. Denver, CO 80209; Thursday after the interment from 4:00 pm to 7:00 p.m., Friday from 12:00 to 4:00, and Saturday from 4:30-8:00 p.m.

Contributions in Ron’s name may be made to Temple Sinai, Jewish Family Service of Colorado or the ADL Mountain States Region.