George L. Bernstein, Esquire, “Jerry”, 90, of Winthrop, MA and formerly of Lynnfield, MA, passed away on June 4, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital after a brief illness. Jerry was preceded in death by his beautiful, beloved wife of 46 years, Elaine (Davis). He and Elaine were together for more than 50 years and lived in Lynnfield for over four decades. They had many close friends in the community and were delighted to have their home there.
Born on February 8, 1936, in Chelsea, MA, to the late Morris and Anne (Kaplan) Bernstein. Jerry grew up in Winthrop, MA, the youngest of three boys. His two dear older brothers were the late Sheldon C. Bernstein and the late Theodore “Teddy” Bernstein. Jerry graduated from Winthrop High School in 1953 then went on to matriculate at Northeastern University and then got his law degree from Boston University Law School. Jerry was a business lawyer who practiced law for over 65 years. In1976 Jerry was appointed Special Assistant Attorney General. He had offices first in Boston, then in Lynnfield. In addition to being the “world’s greatest lawyer,” (he had a mug to prove it), Jerry was a loving husband, a devoted brother and son, the best uncle and a wonderful friend to many.
Beyond his work, Jerry found great joy in traveling with Elaine, especially to Florida, going to Celtics games with her, taking her out to the best restaurants, driving his cars, spending time with his brothers, golfing, watching football, attending Super Bowls, and he cherished time spent with his nieces and nephews and many friends. Those who knew Jerry remember him for his quick wit, humor, generosity, and intelligence.
Jerry loved his country and was very patriotic. He served in the army reserves as a young man in the Judge Advocate Corps. He always was ready to discuss current events and was passionate about politics and a fierce debater.
Jerry was a member of the Winthrop Golf Club since 1960. He served on the Board of Governors, was the President from 1976-1977 and the club’s counsel for many years. It was there he was crowned with the nickname, “The Burger” in the mid-1980’s due to a special hamburger he often ordered. He soon became known to many as “Burger” or in the case of family “Uncle Burger”. It was said regularly, “everyone should have an Uncle Burger”. He was also a Lifetime Member of the Winthrop Lodge of Elks, having joined both organizations with his brother, Sheldon.
Jerry was a devoted uncle of Karen M. Bernstein, of Winthrop, MA; Terri Goodman and her husband Mark, of Roswell, GA; Lisa Lifer and her husband Craig, of Hackettstown, NJ; Gary Bernstein and his wife Claire, of Longview, CO; Joel Bernstein and his partner Rhonda Lewis, of Denver, NC; Linda Bernstein, of Saugus, MA; Michael Bernstein and his wife Christine, of Winthrop, MA; Sam Gollis and his wife Claire, of Denver, CO; Hillary Gollis, of Amherst, MA; Harry Davis, of Dartmouth, MA; and the late William Davis. He is also survived by 18 grand nieces and nephews as well as 13 great-grand nieces and nephews and his dear cousin, Toby Diamond of Chestnut Hill, MA.
A funeral was held on June 15 at Torf Funeral Service in Chelsea, MA and interment was at Sharon Memorial Park, in Sharon, MA. Many family and friends attended. Donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to The Brigham Fund, https://give.brighamandwomens.org/the-brigham-fund