MORT EPSTEIN, 96, of Cleveland Heights. A designer, woodworker, political activist, and music lover, Mr. Epstein made significant contributions to the Greater Cleveland, Ohio area since his arrival in 1945.
He is survived by son Jesse and daughter-in-law Gina of New York City, daughter Gene and her partner Ellen Strong of Cleveland Heights, grandchildren Brenna, Robin, Isaac, and Myah, great-grandchildren Miller and Glenn, and special companion Dr. Ellen Rothchild.
He is pre-deceased by his wife of 60 years, Marion, and subsequent companion, Dr. Jackie Sax. In 1962, Mr. Epstein co-founded the premiere design firm of Epstein Szilagyi Designers, now Epstein Design Partners, and for 18 years he served as Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design at the Cleveland Institute of Art.
In 2009, he was awarded the lifetime achievement award of the Cleveland Arts Prize.
Mr. Epstein spent his lifetime devoted to active community involvement that included work with the Ohio affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, Veterans for Peace, the Cleveland Chamber Music Society, Habitat for Humanity, the Greater Cleveland PATH Committee, Fair Housing Inc., the Cleveland Chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts, The Cleveland City Club, The Cleveland Committee on Soviet Anti-Semitism and The Ohio Progressive Party.
Service will be held on Sunday, November 24, 1:00 at the BERKOWITZ-KUMIN-BOOKATZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1985 South Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights. Interment Ridge Road #2 Cemetery.
Family will receive friends following services from 4-8 PM SUNDAY and MONDAY FROM 11-6 PM.
The family asks that donations be made to the ACLU of Ohio, 4506 Chester Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44103; or Chapter 39, Veterans For Peace, 2875 Meadowbrook Blvd., Cleveland Hts., OH 44118.
Published in The Plain Dealer from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24, 2013 - See more at:
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