Obituary - Morton D. Epstein

Morton D. Epstein

Morton D. Epstein, 104, of Harrisburg, Pa. and formerly of Atlantic City, N.J. and Hammonton, N.J., a respected business and community leader, passed away Monday September 16, 2024 in comfort of his residence. Born July 31, 1920, in Philadelphia, Pa. of the late Abraham and Rose (Wittgenstein) Epstein. At the age of 9 months, Mort and his parents moved to Atlantic City where he made his home for the next 63 years.

Mort earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Rutgers University in 1943 and then answered the call of his country to serve in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. As a First Lieutenant in the distinguished 8th Air Force, 322nd Bombardment Squadron, stationed at RAF Andrews Field in England, he flew missions that prepared for the invasions on the beaches of Normandy and lead to Allied victory on the Western Front.

Following D-Day, Mort was reassigned to the Intelligence Services in order to gain a greater understanding of the German advancements in optics and physics.

Following his honorable discharge, Mort joined William B. Kessler, Inc., manufacturers of Hammonton Park Clothes, in Hammonton, NJ, where he served as Vice President of Manufacturing and General Manager from 1947 until the close of operations in 1980/81. He then served as Vice President of Manufacturing for J. Schoeneman, Inc. and was later engaged in consulting work in the clothing industry, and wrote Rural Development Grants.

Mort deeply believed in supporting his community. He was a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of Hammonton and was active in the building of the William B. Kessler Memorial Hospital, in Hammonton, where he served on the Board of Directors for many years. Mort also was a long-time member of the Jewish Federation of Atlantic County and served as Past President (1967-1969) and Campaign Chairman of the Federation Appeal. He traveled to Israel six times to represent the Federation and served in key national positions with the United Jewish Appeal. In 1968, Mort was honored by the UJA as a Defender of Israel.

Locally, he served on the Board of Directors, as well as Treasurer, of the Blue Ridge Country Club.

Mort is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jacqueline K. “Jackie” (Smith) Epstein; two sons, Arnold Epstein and his wife, Dawn, and Gary Epstein and his wife, Carmen Lidia; and two step sons, Justin Schetrompf and Jason Schetrompf. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Andrew, Racheal and Charlotte; great grandchildren, William, Dahlia, Rose and Margaux; and step grandchildren, Madelyn and Elizabeth. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his former wife, Alice (Kessler) Epstein.

Visitation with the family will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday October 10, 2024 at the Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home, Inc., 2100 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, followed by his Memorial Service at 11 a.m. with Rabbi Marc Kline, officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to either the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024-2126 (https://ushmm.org) or the Central PA Food Bank, 3908 Corey Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109 (https://centralpafoodbank.org).

Those wishing to share condolences or memories with the family may visit www.JesseGeigleFuneralHome.com.