Isadore Bernstein's Obituary
Isadore Bernstein died on August 5, 2014 at the age of 96 in Miami, FL after a long, full life and just four weeks after the death of his beloved wife of 65 years, Jacquelyn. An honest, good-hearted, gentle man, Iz was a loyal and devoted family man and friend. Humble by nature, he took great pleasure in the accomplishments of others.
Born in Albany, N.Y., on May 28, 1918, Iz grew up in Gloversville, NY, graduating from Gloversville High School in 1936. The first in his family to graduate from college, he received a B.S. in accounting from the School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance of New York University in 1941. He loved living in New York – dividing his time between classes, Yankees games, and big city adventures. From 1943 to 1946, Iz proudly served his country as a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Force. Stationed in India, he provided supplies to missions headed “over the hump” to China. After the war, he worked as an accountant in Providence, RI, returning to Gloversville to enter the family glove business, J.Bernstein’s Sons, with his brother, Sam. They worked together for over 50 years; at Sam’s death in 1995, Iz continued in the business until his retirement in 2000.
Iz was a lifelong member of Knesseth Israel Synagogue in Gloversville, where he was a board member, and was a long time member of B’nai B’rith, and Kingsboro and Pine Brook golf clubs. It is an understatement to say that Iz loved sports – whether playing, watching, or Monday morning quarterbacking, he immersed himself in the world of competitive sports on all levels and continued to play golf into his 90s. He had a great short game!
He and Jackie travelled all over the world and enjoyed winters in Florida. In 2009, they made Miami their home.
Iz is survived by his son, Ronald Bernstein of Miami; and daughter, Joan Bernstein of Bernardston, MA; his daughter-in-law, Eva Bernstein; and son-in-law, Barry Auskern; four adored grandchildren, Jesse Kommel-Bernstein, Lauren Bernstein, Jeremy Kommel-Bernstein and Talia Bernstein; two dear nieces, Johanna Cohen and Ellen Bildersee (Bob); nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great grand-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Rachel and Jacob Bernstein, and his brother, Sam Bernstein. The Yankees and Giants have lost their biggest fan.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Miami Jewish Health Systems, especially Ernie Caines, Lola Clarke and Scotlyn Johnson, who cared for Iz with such love, respect and kindness.
Contributions in Iz’s memory can be made to Knesseth Israel Synogogue, 34 E. Fulton Street, Gloversville, New York 12078 or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Blasberg-Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapel (305) 538-6371
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