Bernard Birnbaum, born on Nov. 5, 1924, was 100 years, 8 months, 12 days, 21 hours, 30 minutes and 33 seconds old when he peacefully passed away on July 18.
He was a man of character, integrity, gratefulness and a steadfast devotion to his family and to G-d.
Always an entrepreneur, his work career started in the shoe business and ended at the age of 87 when his wife and his work truck decided it was time. He could be seen in his Dekro Auto Supply truck all over the city, and in later years, you would find it parked at various community centers where he played bridge until it was time to come home for dinner.
Home — that was wherever his beloved wife, Barbara, was. They were married for 74 years on July 15. Barbara and Bernard enjoyed playing cards and socializing with their “Club” — lifelong friends that have mostly passed on, but those times and stories live on in the minds and hearts of all their children.
Always an active person, he went from tennis to golf and enjoyed their travels, which often took them to Florida. At the end of the day, no matter where, no matter what, they always ended their day together.
With family always at the forefront, he helped raise his brothers after his father’s passing when he was nine years old. He was always supportive of his mom, put food on the table for his wife and kids and would do anything for a hug and kiss from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bernard had a reverence for G-d second to none. The Congregation Beth Shalom congregants were his second family. Over the years, he helped to make daily minyan when he could, attended Shabbat services every week, and firstborn services at Passover time had an extra special place in his heart when the four generations were able to attend together. He did not mean any disrespect when napping during the rabbi’s weekly d’var Torah while waiting to get back to praising G-d for all of his blessings.
Bernard is survived by his dear wife, Barbara; son, Bruce (Jeanette); daughter, Patti; his grandchildren, Melissa Friedman and Bradley (Taly) Friedman; and his great-grandchildren, Emmett Friedman and Remy Friedman. He is preceded in death by his father, Isadore Birnbaum; mother, Minnie Klugman; step-father, Joe Klugman; brothers, Melvin Birnbaum and Leibert Birnbaum; sister-in-law, Miriam Birnbaum; and son-in-law, Gary Friedman.
He was grateful every single day that G-d opened his eyes and let him be a part of the world around him. There was a spark, a spirit inside of him that he shared with those who touched his life.
May Bernard’s memory continue to bring goodness and inspire those who remember him.
Graveside services were on July 22 at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. If you would like to make memorial contributions, please consider Congregation Beth Shalom, Village Shalom or a charity of your choice.
