Stuart A. "Stu" Bernstein, age 79, passed away on January 4, 2021, after a long battle with heart disease. Devoted husband to Janice Bernstein, loving father to Adam and Jennifer Bernstein; adored stepfather to Stephen and Susan Weiss and Michael and Melissa Weiss; beloved “Papa Stu” to grandchildren Elise, Tess, and Phoebe Bernstein, Maxwell and Hannah Weiss, and Asher and Teegan Weiss.
Stu was born to German immigrants Herbert and Margot (Aaron), and raised in New Jersey with his younger brother Leslie, who predeceased him. He overcame difficult early years to become a warm, loving husband, father, and grandfather, who always looked at the positive side of life. He was fondly known as the Energizer Bunny because of both his remarkable upbeat attitude under all circumstances and because despite all of the health issues he confronted over the years, he kept going and going and going against all odds.
After a youthful stint in the Air Force, Stu lived in North Dakota and Minnesota, where he married and had his son Adam, before moving back east. He traveled the world, living and working in Iran, France, and Switzerland, where his remarkable gift for languages came in handy.
A true self-made success story, Stu spent the first portion of his career as a software programmer, analyst, and technical manager before moving into sales and corporate management in large Fortune 500 companies including NCR, IBM, and Control Data Corporation. He subsequently worked as either an executive or effectiveness consultant and coach for a number of startup companies both domestically and internationally. He was a co-founder of several companies including Cognition Inc, Brain Saving Technologies (now Specialists on Call), and Bernstein Photo. For the last several years he provided technical, marketing and sales consulting services to clients in the construction industry focused on high-performance, net zero, and passive housing.
Stu had a zest for learning. He was always involved in multiple projects and loved increasing his skill set, even enthusiastically attending virtual conferences while in palliative care. He was constantly exploring through his love of travel and passion and skill in photography. He loved coaching others in sales and any of the many areas of his expertise.
Warm, kindhearted, and an incredible raconteur with a story for every situation, Stu was beloved by all who came in contact with him. Renowned for his over-the-top sushi orders and Photoshopping himself into family group photos, he brought joy and vitality to all gatherings. He was devoted to his beloved Janice, his wife of nearly 25 years, with whom he found true love and happiness in his final decades.
Stu and his indomitable spirit will be greatly missed by all. He has promised to communicate with Janice through the screeching Blue Jay in the front of their home, so keep an ear out!
Due to the current health crisis, funeral services will be private.
Please use the following link for the "Zoom Shiva": https://calendly.com/mikeypweiss/stuart-bernstein-shiva-group-1?month=2021-01&date=2021-01-06
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that remembrances may be made to be made to support Brigham and Women's Hospital. Gifts will be split equally between the Martin P. Solomon Medical Education Scholars Program, the Cardiovascular Wellness Fund, and the Hospital at Home Program Fund. Checks can be made payable to Brigham and Women's Hospital with "in memory of Stuart Bernstein” in the memo line and sent to: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Development Office, 116 Huntington Ave., 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02116 or visit www.bwhgiving.org to make your gift online.
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