Robert A. Epstein

Niskayuna, NY - Robert A. Epstein, 78, passed away on Thanksgiving morning following a lengthy illness. He is the cherished husband of Robin Hickey Epstein of Schenectady, NY; loving father of Kyle Epstein of Los Angeles, CA, stepfather of Michael Worobey of Schenectady, NY, and brother of Michael Epstein of San Francisco, CA. Robert is also survived by several in-laws from the Hickey family. Robert was the son of the late Karl and Fay Epstein of Brooklyn, NY.

Robert enjoyed a long, notable career in local broadcast television and national advertising. Beginning with national ad sales representative firms Telerep and John Blair & Company, Robert switched to the broadcasting side running local television stations in Flint/Saginaw, MI, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA, Baltimore, MD, Omaha, NE, Rochester, MN, La Crosse/Eau Claire, WI and Albany, NY. His reputation was for turning around under-performing operations and mentoring upcoming managerial talent. He was recruited by Barry Baker, CEO of River City Broadcasting when it merged with Sinclair Communications, Baltimore, to build one of the most-respected Fox affiliates in the nation at the time, WBFF/WNUV, Baltimore.

He had a gregarious personality and was a fine collector of colleagues, several friendships enduring for decades, even with Robert’s frequent relocation around the country as new TV station management opportunities arose.  While his business standards demanded a high degree of performance and professional ethics by those reporting to him, Robert was known for his quick, eye-twinkling humor and compassionate enjoyment of daily routines. He successfully navigated a period of major change in the broadcasting industry as once exclusively male executive ranks became balanced by talented female managers; many of whom he championed in their career ascents.

Robert was passionate about most NY sports teams – especially the Jets, Giants and Bills. He was dedicated to daily workouts and often called ‘the mayor’ at Niskayuna VENT Fitness. But, above all, he and Robin found each other as both were winding down admirable careers and were a loving couple enjoying retirement and traveling to warm destinations for several years.

Robin offers her heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at Schenectady Center and Community Hospice who took such great care of Robert with loving kindness and compassion.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Robert’s family on Wednesday, December 04, 2024 from 4 to 7 pm at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave. Colonie. Entombment will be in Memory Gardens.

Robert’s stepson Michael has been cared for by the wonderful caregivers at Wildwood for many years. Kindly consider memorial contributions to www.Wildwoodprograms.org  To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www. CannonFuneral.com