Gerald Bernstein

1938 - 2024

Gerald Bernstein, 85, of Jackson Twp., passed away Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Allied Services Hospice, Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre.

Gerald was born in Newark, N.J., May 13, 1938, son of the late Leo and Ethel Wilson Bernstein.

He graduated from Union High School, N.J., in 1956. Gerald attended Susquehanna University, where he also met his wife, Babetta Marie Hewitt. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 1960 with a major in accounting. He was inducted into the PI Gamma MU National Social Science Honor Society. Upon graduation, Gerald's professional career began in Philadelphia, where he worked on the audit staff at Ernst & Whinney, CPA's from 1960 to 1963, passing his CPA Exam in May of 1963. Gerald moved to Northeastern Pennsylvania in 1963, where he began his private practice as a CPA until January 1977, at which time he merged his practice into the now existing partnership of J.H. Williams and Co.

Gerald had been active in community, a member of Irem Shriners, and professional activities and had been a frequent lecturer on accounting and taxes. He was the past president of the Northeastern Chapter of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPA's and a member of the AICPA and the PICPA.

Jerry, as everyone knew him, strived for success, perfection and dedication at a very young age. He excelled in academics and in sports, which earned him a full football scholarship while attending Susquehanna University. His steadfast characteristic was evident throughout his life. He had a strong demeanor, but he also had a softer side. Jerry loved making everyone laugh by telling jokes and his impromptu comedic acts. Jerry was also a cat lover. He adored both of his Himalayan cat, Puffy, and his most recently adopted Balinese cat, Roxie. Not only was Jerry a great provider for his family, but he was also a loving and caring father, grandfather and friend.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Babetta, whom he loved so dearly.

He will be sadly missed by his children, daughter, Babetta Wenner and her husband, Wilbur, Jackson Twp., and their daughter, Winter Wenner, R.N., Wichita, Kan.; son, Dr. Brent Bernstein and his wife, Michele, Allentown, and their children, Ethan Bernstein, Chicago, Ill., and Emma Bernstein, Gettysburg; and son, Dr. Barry Bernstein and his wife, Shareena, Lehman Twp.

A private funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Corcoran Funeral Home Inc., 20 S. Main St., Plains Twp., with the Rev. Zachary Chamberlain officiating. Interment will be held in the Bernstein Family Cemetery on Idetown Road, Lehman Twp. Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Processing Center, P.O. Box 863765, Orlando, FL 32886; or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 7585, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

For information or to leave Gerald's family a message of condolence, visit www.corcoranfuneralhome.com.