It is not only difficult and sad for me to write this – it is unbelievable to me.  Steve B, as he was known to us Jacksons (and perhaps other Ice Racers) was so much closer to me than I realized until now.  He truly was like family.  I guess perhaps the older brother I never had.

While Steve was the last of his direct family, he had a much wider and closer extended family than I knew.  He also had an incredibly close and wide circle of friends.  It was enlightening and memorable to hear others speak of all he had done for them and others, as well as to hear confirmation of his, umm, well known personal characteristics: he could be an asshole in a sort of way to almost anyone, yet also an amazing friend to all; his vocabulary (piece of  **** and douchebag were common); his driving style (fast but safe – no matter how fast he was going or how many lane changes he made, the blinker was always used); his penchant to criticize and advise (sort of politely most of the time); his incessant desire to do things in the “proper” way (especially when it came to automotive work and computers); his incredible willingness to be there whenever needed and to help whenever the opportunity arose; and his open arm welcoming at all times.  Not to mention his love for BMWs (for some baffling reason 528e’s in particular), Ice Racing, music and the violin, hiking, the Adirondacks, computers, NYC, and teaching (did I mention pot and a certain flip phone he kept multiples of for too long?).

(Continued in comment)

Professionally I knew Steve to be a great guy who was a brilliant and witty co-worker.  

We quickly became friends and personally shared 30+ years of many adventurous hiking, Yoga, music, dancing, heartfelt talks about our families, and much, much laughter, I adored his boyish giggle. Many would agree we were blessed to have journeyed with him. 

Now every time I hear Stevie Wonder, I will smile 😊 and recall all the memories with Steve, I miss you my friend. ☮️💟🙏💜

And another with a fantastically happy smile....

This is one of the things he loved so much -- as you can see from his smile.  My sister is riding in the back seat to improve weight distribution (really) -- he did the same for her when she drove his car or ours.  Pay no attention to the water on top of the ice, it is probably 18 inches thick and perfectly safe.

So Sad, and unexpected!

I first met Steve at his undergrad, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (where I got my M.S.  Degree). He was Lambda Chi Alpha "Big Brother" to a friend, who was "Big Brother" to another friend.  

Steve was later a Big Brothers of America sponsor, to Jason, whom he helped mentor/role-model into manhood.

Beginning in the mid-1980s, Steve was part of our (5-guy, former RPI student) 'clutch' of Adirondack backpackers, either toiling to "summit" ALL of the "High Peaks 46", or just enjoying those Wilderness, long-weekend vacances from our 9-5 jobs. We shared (mostly) great times (excepting miserable weather), then. 
But most memorable was: After backpacking miles in to a base camp (to day-hike mountains, next day), we got Totally Stranded at our camp by an overnight Ice Storm: No way ahead; No way Out, for a frigid day and a half.
As we dealt with pervasive Cold, And Boredom, STEVE repeatedly, sarcastically intoned: 
"DISS Iss Duh Liffe !!"  XD
One of my fondest memories of Steve.
Steve is the second, of our five, to have passed, Too Soon.  :(

Steve was a big personality, dishing out a quick-witted remark for every moment.  He also had a big heart, which became so obvious when I'd overhear him handling his clients' IT troubles.  And all of this came through his playing.  

I'm so sorry for your loss.  

Christine

Some of the many photos I have of Steve doing one of his favorite things.

To The Family of Steven Berstein, my heartfelt sympathy.  Its very sad to hear of his passing.  May he rest peacefully 🙏. 

Linda Deckert

OBITUARY

Steven J. Bernstein

August 15, 1962 – February 25, 2025

Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel

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