Bernard "Bernie" Zelig Yavitch

Bernard “Bernie” Yavitch was born June 5, 1943, to Yasha “Jacob” Yavitch and Dorothy (Hoffman) Yavitch in Chester, Pennsylvania. He was the third of four children. In 1956, his father received a position at North American Aviation in Columbus, Ohio, and the family created a home and life in Bexley, Ohio. Bernie excelled at academics and athletics while building strong friendships that continued throughout his life. After high school graduation, Bernie attended The Ohio State University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1966.

It was at Ohio State University that he met the love of his life, Myra (Werner). They were married in 1966, just short of 2 years after their first date. Myra has said she knew he was the one after realizing that Bernie was a man who was compassionate, intelligent, humorous, and curious to continue to learn new things. After college graduation, while working as a Manager for Lazarus Department stores, Bernie attended Capital University Law School. Bernie received his Juris Doctorate in 1971 with his wife, their two young children, and a baby on the way in attendance.

When Bernie passed the Ohio Bar in 1971, he started his more than 50-year career in law. He started as a Staff Attorney for the Legal Aid Society in Columbus, before becoming a supervising attorney in the Franklin County Public Defender's Office. Bernie later joined the office of the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney as an Assistant Prosecutor. He gained vast experience in criminal case law and was involved in several nationally publicized court cases, including a criminal case against William Stanley Milligan. Bernie was extensively interviewed about this case for the popular series “Monsters Inside” recently featured on Netflix. As his colleague and close family friend Peter Binning said, “Yes, Bernie has his own IMDB page.”

In 1979, Bernie opened his own practice specializing in criminal defense and later expanded into family, domestic relations, and probate law. He continued to practice law and argue cases before the bench until his death. In addition to his duties as an attorney, he was also a Commissioner for the Ohio Public Defender Commission from 1986-1994 and was at the start of many other careers as a professor with Capital University’s Paralegal Program since 1996.

Bernie was a devoted husband to Myra and caring and nurturing father to Michelle Jordine, Eric Jason, and Hallie Ilene. His children remember how he would listen to their explanation for this or that infraction even if the judgements were always going to be in favor of the parental party. Bernie valued the importance of understanding motivations and points of view of others even if one did not agree with them. He and his wife were less concerned with their children’s grades and more interested in having them commit to their academics, extra-curricular activities, and the respect they gave to others. The result led to children who became successful with their own education and chosen careers. Bernie was proud to have his children choose their own career paths; and was amused that the law was prominent in all their career choices. Michelle works for the Ohio State Bar Association, Eric started the law firm of Yavitch & Palmer, and Hallie passed the Ohio Bar before cultivating a career in the entertainment industry leading to her Sr. VP position with AEG in Los Angeles.

He was a firm believer in finding ways to give back and make our communities better. He was an active member of Temple Israel and served as the President of Temple Israel’s Brotherhood, a volunteer organization. He served as the President of the Reynoldsburg Academy Boosters (1990-1991) and was often found volunteering for a number of his children’s extra-curricular activities. Bernie was a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Ohio Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers (Treasurer 1979-1982), and the Columbus Bar Association. He was a career-long member of the Ohio State Bar Association and was recently honored by the OSBA for his 50 years of service and dedication to the law.

Bernie was an avid reader from legal thrillers to case law to biographies. He was a whiz at solving crossword puzzles and dominating trivia-based games. His children and grandchildren always knew a newspaper was going to be part of any sports watching on tv. His daughter, Michelle, still equates watching a football game with reading short stories, although she recognizes it was probably Bernie’s way to keep her mind on the book and quiet during the OSU vs Michigan football games. His wit was never-ending, and he often made tough situations calmer with a quick joke or remark that could instantly ease the tension or guarantee a laugh. There are many stories that detail how Bernie’s use of a one-liner could defuse an adversarial moment in the Franklin County Courtroom, how he would write short stories for his children’s absences from school, or how he could turn a phrase into a smile for someone sad.

He loved and was loved by his friends, and they equally celebrated each other’s successes and commiserated with sorrows. He will be missed as the kind, attentive, intelligent, selfless, and generous man by those lucky enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved son, Eric Jason; his brother in-law, Paul Bender; and recently, his cousin, Herb Moskovitz. He is survived by his adored wife of over 55 years, Myra; his children Michelle Bucy (Rich Greenberg); Hallie Yavitch; daughter-in-law, Darla; and grandchildren Charlotte Bucy, Abigail Bucy, Sydney Yavitch, and Zach Yavitch; siblings Barry Yavitch (Noemi), Sally Bender, and Joseph Yavitch as well as 4 nieces, 2 nephews, their spouses, and their children.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 18 at 2 p.m. at Temple Israel, 3100 E Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43209. Loved ones are encouraged to join the service virtually via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9617475423#success

In lieu of flowers or food, the family encourages those who wish to donate to the charity of their choice.