I only just learned of Professor Bernstein's passing.  Last I spoke with him was coinicdentally on his 91st birthday.  He had company and could not talk,  I then managed to lose the phone with his number on it.  With time I began getting a sense of dread, if that is the right word. 

He taught me gold- and silversmithing at CCNY and we remained friends since 1981.  I now feel a bit lonelier with him gone.  I was very fond of him.

I just learned of the passing of my beloved teacher and mentor when I was an Industrial Arts Education undergrad at CCNY. He was the reason that, in my retirement, I continue to produce articles of Judaica for my family and friends, using jewelry and woodworking techniques that he lovingly taught me. Let me share an anecdote. In our classroom/shop, the professor was teaching us about how form should follow function. An immigrant student in our class from Italy, questioned Prof. Bernstein about a Torah shield that was shown to us at the time. This student asked him,” Professor, if form follows function, how is anyone going to be able to wear this around their neck?” Professor Bernstein said, Sisselman-explain it to Mr. Orsini when I am through! I will cherish all these memories. May his memory be for a blessing!

Bernard and I were fellow ob -gyn residents 
at providence RI back in the 70’s. I’ve lost touch all these years and I am saddened by his passing   
Nalin NANAYAKKARA  MD

Prof. Bernstein was a unforgettable teacher. He brought out my talent I didn't know I had. I can't thank him enough for everything he taught me, and his friendship.
May he Rest In Peace.

Elizabeth Lavoro

I was about 19 years old when I first meet Bernie . He was living in the Bronx and my mother came with me to protect me .  We stayed friends over the years and I took a class with him at the 92nd street Y,  many years later. When I moved we would email each other and occasionally call.  The last time I went to visit him was January 2020 on the East Side . He would give me a tool or two he was not using anymore . I could tell things were getting harder for him and he was already preparing for his death. It was very very sad. He was really alone . 

Dear Bernstein Family,
Bernard Bernstein was my professor at CCNY 1973- 1977.  He was my Industrial Arts Teacher of Design and Jewelry. 
 I treasure the time spent in his class and the lessons he taught.  It is because of his lessons that I continue to study and practice jewelry making.  
I frequently ask about him through others who have worked with him at the Y in NYC.  
We have all gotten out of touch but not out of heart and mind. 
You will be missed, Dr. Bernstein.  
Fondly, 
April Rogers-Biggs

Bernie Bernstein was my professor at CCNY when I was getting my degree in Industrial Arts. He taught design and metalworking. We both lived in the Bronx at that time, and he would often give me rides back-and-forth, so we became friends. I lost touch with him but then bumped into him serendipitously at a Calder exhibit in NYC about 10 years ago. We recognized each other immediately and had a lovely series of lunches. Then life got in the way and we lost touch again. He was such an influential teacher in my career as an industrial arts teacher and jeweler. I treasure having known this gifted mentor and artist...a most wonderful  man. May he rest in peace and his memory be a blessing. My deepest condolences.

I was saddened to learn of Bernie's death.  I wrote my dissertation about the Tobe Pascher Workshop, which he worked in, and he was a great resource as well as very good company. I went to his apartment over the course of my research and he always had a story, or a piece of jewelry to look at, in addition to being a trove of historical information.  Once I graduated, I continued to call him to catch up and he always had time for me.  He is missed. 
My condolences. 

Dear Bernstein family,

RIT and I extend our deepest sympathies. Bernard was a kind and talented man. We are proud of his career and to have him as our alumnus.  His legacy will live on with his beautiful works of art.

I also extend my sympathies to his beloved student Mark Sacks. He spoke so fondly of him.

Warmest regards,
Tamra Werner
RIT



OBITUARY

Bernard Bernstein

August 17, 1928 – July 28, 2021

Parkside Memorial Chapels

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services