Bernard Bernstein

Bernard Bernstein of Dallas passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at Baylor Regional Hospital in Plano TX. Proceeded in death by his son William he is survived by his wife Mary, son Robert, sister Gertrude Hirsch, brother in law Robert R. Kemps, niece Becky Johnson, and other nieces and nephews.

Born in New York, Bernie graduated the prestigious Bronx High School of Science and went on to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree of Science at Columbia University. Graduating with honors his first success came as a registered pharmacist and owner of several drug stores in New York. After several years he felt it time to make a career change and relocated to Dallas to enter the life insurance business with Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company. His very first year he qualified for his Company’s top honor club and established himself as one of the country’s foremost insurance representatives.

A Member of the American Society of Chartered Life Underwriters, Bernie received his CLU designation in 1973. Bernie’s perennial multi-million dollar production won him awards almost too numerous to mention. A Qualifying and Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, he was a charter member of his company’s Hall of Fame and President’s Cabinet and was the first agent to serve on their Field Advisory Committee. He was a consistent recipient of the National Sales Achievement Award and the National Quality Award. He was presented the annual “Distinguished Salesman Award” from the Dallas Sales and Marketing Executives more times than any other recipient.

Bernie met his wife Mary while she was in New York studying voice. An opera singer and concert artist who performs under the stage name Maria Powell; it was Bernie’s interest in opera that initially drew them together. With Maria performing in venues such as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, the two of them enjoyed travelling together across the United States as well as to many European Countries. Bernie took great pride when his son Robert S. (Rob) Bernstein, CLU joined him in the insurance business and became a successful insurance broker as well.

Bernie spent his free time raising and showing his dogs. His extended family came to include Charlie and Soleil. These two dogs were his greatest joy in his “retirement years” and he would spend hours a day taking care of them and basking in the joy of their devoted affection.

Certainly it took hard work for Bernie Bernstein to reach the level of success he achieved in the life insurance business. However it was evident to those that knew him he not only possessed the attributes of talent, but the determination and dedication that made him a successful salesman and a true professional in his field.

A Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM Sunday, December 15, 2013 at Sparkman/Hillcrest Northwest Hwy Chapel, Dallas TX with a reception to follow. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Doris Day Animal League or your local Humane Society.