Mr. David Benjamin Epstein
Remember

Mr. David Benjamin Epstein

  • May 3, 1912 - August 29, 2011
  • Stockton, California
  • Memorial contributions may be expressed to the follow charity:
  • O'Conner Woods Resident Assistance Fund
    3400 Wagner Heights Road
    Stockton, CA 95209
  • Memorial contributions may be expressed to the following charity:
  • Hospice of San Joaquin
    3888 Pacific Avenue
    Stockton, CA 95204
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DeYoung Memorial Chapels

601 North California Street
Stockton, CA 95202
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Tel. (209) 466-8075
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Memories & Candles

“Uncle Dave and his beloved wife, Auntie Clara, are a cherished branch on our family tree. Individually they were vibrant, kind, fun, and full of...Read More » ”
1 of 10 | Posted by: Bette Anne Shapiro - Anaheim, CA

“i will always and forever remember uncle dave for his great humor and genuine kindness and his yellow buick. his smile warmed my heart and i wish he...Read More » ”
2 of 10 | Posted by: paul whitehead - CA - nephew

“My Uncle Dave always made me smile and filled me with joy. From his fun stories to his bunny napkin tricks. Nina and I would run to be the first on...Read More » ”
3 of 10 | Posted by: Lauren Jenkins and family - CA

“Linda I am very sorry about the loss of your father. My thoughts are with you bb ”
4 of 10 | Posted by: Shirley McGhee - Richmond, CA

“How fortunate we all are to have been part of Uncle Dave and Auntie Clara's family! They truly demonstrated how to lead a rich, fulfilling,...Read More » ”
5 of 10 | Posted by: JoAnne Winnick and Family - CA

“Although we were not related, he was one of my favorite "Uncles. He was a good man with a big heart. I will miss him. Marilyn Silver ”
6 of 10 | Posted by: Marilyn Silver - Visalia, CA

“David was so respected and loved by everyone who knew him at O'Connor Woods. It would be hard to find someone more genuinely interested in people and...Read More » ”
7 of 10 | Posted by: Sister Mary Ann Hills - Stockton, CA

“I will always think of Uncle Dave as a wonderful family patriarch who brought caring, love and joy to all. How lucky we were to have him in our...Read More » ”
8 of 10 | Posted by: Mary Huniu - Yorba Linda, CA

“I will remember Uncle Dave with the love and laughter he brought to everything and everyone. His joyful spirit will live on in the happy memories of...Read More » ”
9 of 10 | Posted by: Barbara Dudman - Orange, CA

“May the love held for your dear one be a part of your life for times to come.The future is bright for all who have fallen asleep in death. Please be...Read More » ”
10 of 10 | Posted by: O. Cooper - IL


David Epstein was born May 3, 1912 in Los Angeles, California to Benjamin Epstein and Anna Lapping, immigrants from Russia. He grew up in San Diego and graduated from San Diego State in 1935 with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science. He then went on to do post graduate work at the University of California at Berkeley. He became the co-owner of the Stockton Bargain Spot and settled in Stockton in 1937. The Stockton Bargain Spot was a local department store that specialized in wearing apparel and catered to working class people. It had a special attraction to the Spanish speaking population and the store was known as "La Tienda Favorita". During World War II David worked in the Stockton Ship Yard in support of the war effort.

After his career at the Stockton Bargain Spot David became an academic teacher at Deuel Vocational Institute (DVI) for ten years (1969-1978) teaching subjects in Psychology, Human Relations and U.S. Government and History. He was very proud of his teaching career and especially being able to teach a course on "Street Skills" for inmates about to be released into the working world.

Dave met Clara Gartner, the love of his life, as a child while visiting his older sister in Stockton. As family we were told that Dave and Clara played jacks together on the sidewalk in front of his sister's apartment building when they were 10 years old. We never found out who was the better player. They married in 1938 and had 66 wonderful years together.

Dave and Clara enjoyed traveling to Mexico, Hawaii and on cross country road tips with friends. But of all their travels they most enjoyed the beauty and peace of their cabin in Twain Harte. They retired to Twain Harte in 1978, and then moved back to Stockton in 1992 to live at O'Connor Woods.

Meadowood has been David's home for the past seven years. His family wants to thank the staff for taking such wonderful care of their father and grandfather. Special thanks to Cora, Joel, Junior, Elino, Edgar and all the nurses and CNA's in the Redwood section. Thanks also to Annie and Dru from the activity department who saw David on a daily basis. They were a constant in his life since his first days at Meadowood. A special debt of
gratitude goes to Scot Sinclair and the Resident Assistance Fund Committee.

David was an active member of the Stockton civic community. He was president of Temple Israel of Stockton (1950-1954). He was President of the Greater Downtown Stockton Merchants Association (1963-1964) and Director of the Stockton Police Jr. Drum & Drill Team (1961-1965).

David is predeceased by his wife Clara and his son Charles. He is survived by his son Barton (Sandy) Epstein and daughter Linda Epstein Radin, four grandchildren: Ben (Cara) Epstein, Mim Epstein, Jonathan Radin and Adam Radin and one great granddaughter Eliana Claire Epstein. Also many nieces, nephews and friends survive him.

Memorial contributions may be expressed to Temple Israel, 5105 N. El Dorado St., Stockton, CA 95207, or O'Conner Woods Resident Assistance Fund or Hospice of San Joaquin.