Alan Jay Epstein, age 83 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at his residence.

Born December 24, 1932 in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late Joseph H. and Cele Horowitz Epstein, Alan was raised in Rockaway, NY and had lived in Teaneck, NJ and Pittsfield, MA before moving to Raritan Township in 1965.

Alan attained his BA in Chemistry from Cornell University. He went on to begin work as a chemist for General Electric in Pittsfield before moving to Edison, NJ to work for Mobil in research and development. Wanting to expand his horizons, Alan began working for H & R Block in Flemington, NJ. He eventually became office manager and went on to become H & R Block’s Central New Jersey Regional Director. Following his passion, he opened Tax Associates, Inc. in Somerville, NJ which he owned for over twenty years before retiring in 2000.

An honorably discharged veteran of the United States Navy, Alan was a man who will be remembered for his wit, intelligence, humility and faith. His jokes and stories would have any room in smiles and his humility allowed him to be a teacher to many in all aspects of life.

He was a founding member of Congregation Bet Tikva, Flemington, NJ and served as its President, Religious Chairman and Treasurer. He was also a longtime member of Congregation Knesseth Israel in Bound Brook, NJ, where he served on the Ritual Committee as well as taught Bar and Bat Mitzvah lessons.

Alan’s caring heart was obvious in his actions; he was always trying to help better the lives of those around him. He will forever be remembered with his therapy dog, a beagle named Archie, as the two of them traveled around the hospitals and nursing homes of Hunterdon and Somerset counties where they spent countless hours making others feel just a bit better. He also led Shabbat services at many of these same nursing homes who had no Rabbi to do so.

Children were the one’s who always captured Alan’s helping hand whether though religious education lessons or simply a smile and a funny face at the local restaurant. He believed that helping to educate the youth was everyone’s responsibility and he accomplished that in both deeds and words.

He was an avid skier and tennis player and a fan of both the New York Giants and Rangers. He also was a former member of the Hunterdon Harmonizers.

A family man, he leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of fifty-five years, Cynthia Feinman Epstein with whom he joined hands in marriage on April 16, 1961; a devoted son and daughter-in-law, Joseph L. Epstein and Lynn T. Danzker of Hoboken, NJ; his adored grandson, Cole Danzker Epstein; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Elaine Abrams and Joel Gordon; several extended family members; and many friends.

Funeral services officiated by Rabbi Jack Kramer will take place on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in Congregation Knesseth Israel, 229 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook, NJ 08805 under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the family plot at Beth David Cemetery, 300 Elmont Road, Elmont, NY 11003.

Shiva will be observed at the Epstein home, 29 Forest Drive, Flemington, NJ 08822 on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday from Noon- 3:00 p.m. and 5:00-8:00 p.m. with services at 7:00 p.m. each evening; and on Sunday from Noon-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-8:00 p.m. with services at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Joseph L. Epstein, 1313 Park Avenue, Apt. 2D, Hoboken, NJ 07030.

Everyone is invited to visit Alan’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to send a public or private message of condolence and to share stories and photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Knesseth Israel at the above address or to the charity of one’s choice.