Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Bernard Waber Obituary
Publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt announced Monday that Waber died May 16 at his Long Island home after a long illness. He was 91.
Waber's "warmth, energy, artfulness, elegance, and abiding respect for children were epitomized in his books," Houghton's senior vice president and publisher of books for young readers, Betsy Groban, said in a statement. His 33 books have sold 1.75 million copies, the publishing company said.
Waber debuted as an author in 1962 with "The House on East 88th Street," which introduced readers to the loveable Lyle, first spotted in a bathtub in an Upper East Side brownstone. Lyle's story continued in "Lyle Finds His Mother," ''Lyle and the Birthday Party" and other works. Waber also wrote many non-Lyle books, such as "Ira Sleeps Over," in which a boy fears he'll be teased fo r bringing a favorite stuffed teddy bear to a friend's house.
Waber was a native of Philadelphia and a graduate of what was then known as the Philadelphia College of Art.
He is survived by his brother, three children and four grandchildren. His final book, "Lyle Walks the Dog," was a 2010 collaboration with his daughter, Paulis.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
43 Entries
May 18, 2020
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..My heartfelt condolences to the family's...
Harry Simpson
May 16, 2017
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Bernard, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
hyde
November 28, 2013
Books are such a great way to remember. To the family and friends and all who knew Mr. Waber when you want to think of him all you have to do is pick up a book of his and read it. May Mr. Waber sleep in peace.
How you can show support
A.D.
May 29, 2013
Mr Waber, you will be missed by those closest to you and those who enjoyed your work. Thank you for the legacy and the name you left behind - it will not be forgotten. Ecclesiastes 7:1
Suzanne Paddock
May 27, 2013
A great man! He came to two of our Author Days when I was teaching. Wonderful presentations and interaction with the children. God Bless You.
Mary K.
May 26, 2013
My students, as well as my own children, have loved your stories for years, and are passing Lyle, Ira, and other timeless Waber stories on to new generations. Thanks Mr. Waber for your stories and your insights into the minds of children.
Pamela Seltzer
May 25, 2013
Thank you for being a childrens writer. Loved Lyle and often read the books to my preschool classes. Even though I am retired your books are still on my bookshelves!!! Blessings to your family.
May 25, 2013
Thanks for everything, Mr. Waber. Safe home.
T L
May 25, 2013
My condolences to Mr. Waber's family and friends. Thank you Mr. Waber for writing timeless stories. Children young and old enjoy them still. Since we read these books as children it's such a joy to share with our own.
May 22, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2
May 22, 2013
My condolences for your loss. May the God of comfort, comfort the family during this difficult time. 2 Corienthians 1:3,4
Sara M
May 22, 2013
Thank you, Mr. Waber for creating my best friend ever.
susan milrod
May 21, 2013
how wonderful to read all of these heartfelt tributes to a truly loving and kind man. Bernie, you will be missed by those of us who had the good fortune to personally know you. And by those who loved your work.
May 21, 2013
Mr. Waber is gone, but we will have Lyle, Lyle Crocodile forever.
May 21, 2013
Mr. Weber is gone, but we will have Lyle, Lyle Crocodile forever.
May 21, 2013
Children worldwide are enjoying his legacy. He will be fondly remembered. Romans 15:33.
m b
May 21, 2013
Psalms 90:10 says -He had special mightiness.Look to the GOD of all comfort
Gennette Corbitt
May 21, 2013
My condolences to the family. Romans15:4.
May 21, 2013
Mr. Waber, Loved your books. Rest in peace. Condolences to the family. Baltimore MD
May 21, 2013
Teachers everywhere shed a tear. I can't even imagine the number of children who have enjoyed your wonderful stories...you will be missed.
May 21, 2013
Offering my condolences during this time of sorrow. May our heavenly father give peace to the family.B.Meill(NO)
May 21, 2013
Deepest sympathy to the Waber family. Isaiah 61:1, 2.
Jem. Florida
Raye Hayrt
May 21, 2013
His "Lyle" books became a family treasure for both my dad and his namesake Lyle. I
have a set ready for the coming 3rd generation. My sincere condolences.
May 21, 2013
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more.
Scott Chamberland
May 21, 2013
Rest in Peace
May 21, 2013
What a great writer. Dear family may you allow the god of comfort to bring you peace. Matthew 5:4
Ivy
May 21, 2013
God Bless You,Sweet Soul.
michelle plakas-kaiser
May 21, 2013
rip
Savannah Jen
May 21, 2013
Thank you sir, your books bring joy to my classroom year after year.
May 20, 2013
My sincere condolences to you for your loss. We all have lost someone who contributed to the joyful times as children through his story books. May the God of all comfort be with you.
Anita Verbeke
May 20, 2013
For decades, the children of West School felt they personally knew and adored Lyle and Ira. His books never remained on my library shelves; they were read and re-read and forever cherished my generations of our children. Heartful thanks for the gift of instilling such love for stories and books in our youngest readers. From their most grateful former librarian.
Terry
May 20, 2013
Ira Sleeps Over was read to my first graders for many years. May his family find comfort knowing he was loved by many.
Virginia
May 20, 2013
Mr. Waber brought so much joy to me, and to all the children who were blessed to read his stories. Deepest condolences to his family.
Kathleen Kerner
May 20, 2013
I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Waber when he visited my school in the 1990s. He was a lovely man, and the children loved it when he drew Lyle for them. Sincere sympathy to his family, with deep gratitude for sharing him with all of us who enjoyed his books.
Bankston
May 20, 2013
May the comfort and strength only God can give be with the Waber family.
D. Burgess
May 20, 2013
Bernard Waber Family,
May the God of all comfort comforts you at this time.
D. Burg
C Lindberg
May 20, 2013
Even though my son is grown up he insists we keep the Lyle books. Many wonderful memories with those books. Thank you so very much.
Dwayne Bickham
May 20, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
Linda
May 20, 2013
I'm sad to read of Mr. Waber's passing. I spent many hours reading the Lyle books to my nieces and nephews. We loved Lyle! God bless you & Thank you Mr. Waber for the many hours of enjoyment you and Lyle gave us.
Sylvia Kist
May 20, 2013
My kindergarten students enjoy my reading Mr. Waber's books every year. They especially love Ira Sleeps Over. I'm glad that he shared his talent.
The Dixons
May 20, 2013
A True "Honey" of a man! Kind, Bright,Funny,Humble,Selfless. He was loved and cherished by all who knew him.
Elizabeth Williams
May 19, 2013
Very Kind and Exceptional.R.I.P..xoxo.....
Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results
Make a Donation
in Bernard Waber's name
How to support Bernard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bernard Waber's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored