Philip Richard Bernanke CHARLOTTE - Philip Richard Bernanke, 85, passed away August 8, 2012, at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. Phil was born on March 13, 1927, in New York City to Jonas Bernanke, a pharmacist, and Pauline Heiden Bernanke, a physician. In 1941, Jonas moved the family to Dillon, South Carolina, to open Jay Bee's Drugstore there. Phil finished high school in Dillon and then served in the U.S. Navy during the last year of World War II. He then went to the University of South Carolina in Columbia. After graduation, he continued his schooling by obtaining a master's degree in Directing Theater at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. It was during this time that he met Edna Friedman from Charlotte, who attended Women's College, now known as UNC-Greensboro. After Edna graduated, they married in 1952 and had son Ben the next year. Philip and Edna moved back to Dillon soon after. Phil began a pharmaceutical apprenticeship with his father in the drugstore and obtained a license to practice pharmacy from the state of South Carolina. They had three more children, Nan Yetta, who died in infancy, then Seth and Sharon. Phil practiced in Dillon with his father and his brother, Mort, for over forty years before retiring and moving to Charlotte. Phil and Mort dedicated themselves to serving the Dillon community, often opening the store after hours to help someone with a medical emergency. "Dr. Phil" and "Dr. Mort" were well-known and well-loved in Dillon, where Mort still lives. Since moving to Charlotte, Phil and Edna have been members of Temple Israel, participating in services and study as their health allowed. Phil loved his children and his grandchildren. He was a warm, witty and affectionate man who valued discussion and resolution over conflict. He had strong morals and values that he passed along to his children by word and deed. He is terribly missed. Phil was predeceased by his parents, Jonas and Lina; his brother, Frederick; and his infant daughter, Nan Yetta. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Edna Friedman Bernanke; brother, Mortimer (Pat); son, Ben (Anna); son, Seth (Ellen) and daughter, Sharon (Paul); and by his grandchildren, Joel, Alyssa, Mariah and Karinne. Services will be at 11:00 am, Friday, August 10, 2012 at Temple Israel with interment to follow at the Hebrew Cemetery. The family wishes to express appreciation to the caregivers and staff at the Carriage House. Memorials may be made to Temple Israel, 4901 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28226. J.B. Tallent Funeral Service is assisting his family.
Published in Charlotte Observer on August 9, 2012
