Bernard Wolfeiler

Bernard Joseph Wolfeiler, born January 29, 1930 in Mainz Germany to Robert Herman Wolfeiler and Fanny Theresa Wolfeiler. They fled Germany in 1937 and settled in Washington Heights, NY. Bernie attended Stuyvesant HS in NY and Columbia University where he earned his Bachelors and Masters in Business Administration. In 1953, he joined the army and worked as a clerk before being discharged in 1955. He married Henrietta Simon in 1958 and they lived in River Edge, NJ for a few years until they bought their home in Teaneck in 1961. It was there that they raised 3 children, Karen, Jay and Eric. Bernie worked at Mack Truck, and then spent most of his career at General Cigar/Culbro working in various financial management positions.

In his free time, Bernie enjoyed playing tennis and skiing with his friends and his Uncle Felix. He was also a voracious reader and loved crossword puzzles. Bernie and Henrietta enjoyed exploring the world together and were lucky enough to travel to New Zealand, China, Israel, Singapore, Ireland, Russia, Germany, Spain and several Caribbean destinations. In 1984 Bernie and Henrietta purchased a second home in South Egremont, MA and spent many weekends exploring the Berkshires and hosting friends at their house.

Bernie was a proud grandfather to his 7 grandchildren (and 1 great grandchild): Joan, Becca, Rachel, Ben, Daniel, Matthew, Natalie and Jack. He enjoyed spending time with all of them, especially taking the whole family on fun vacations. Bernie loved making his grandchildren laugh and made it a tradition to take family photos which included silly props such as wigs, fake noses and goofy glasses.

In 1991, Bernie and Henrietta moved to an apartment in Hackensack and then Bernie retired in 1995. After he retired, Bernie spent his time volunteering at the Center for Food Action and Swim-In (a program for adults with MS) and learned to play golf.

Bernie is survived by his wife (of 66 years) Henrietta; his children Karen (and Steve) Fleischer, Jay Wolfeiler (and Debra Silverman), Eric (and Lisa) Wolfeiler; his grandchildren Joan Fleischer, Becca (and Josh) Jacobs, Rachel Wolfeiler (and Jake Moldowsky), Ben Fleischer, Daniel Wolfeiler, Matthew Wolfeiler, Natalie Wolfeiler and 1 great-grandson Jack Jacobs.

Bernie enjoyed supporting worthy causes and his wish was that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to one of the following organizations:

Center for Food Action Englewood

Congregation Beth Shalom Teaneck

Alzheimer’s Association

(ALL LINKS FOR DONATIONS BELOW)

Shiva will be held at Thrive in Montvale, NJ on Wednesday, 12/18 from 2:30-4:30 pm and from 6:30-8:00pm

and at the home of Eric and Lisa Wolfeiler (167 Orchard Hill Drive, Fairfield, CT) on Thursday, 12/19 from 6:30-8:30pm