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William H. "Bill" Bernstein
William H. "Bill" Bernstein
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William Bernstein Obituary
William H. was the oldest of four sons ‹ arriving three minutes before his fraternal twin, Robert. The two younger brothers, Steven and David, also twins, were born four years later.
Among four boys growing up in Brooklyn, life was competitive, which posed a challenge to William Bernstein ‹ Billy, as he was known ‹ because he was such a late bloomer physically.
"At his bar mitzvah, he was a foot shorter than his twin," said his brother Steven Bernstein. But he did fill out later, becoming about a 6-foot-2, 220-pound adult, devoted to bodybuilding and karate.
William Bernstein, 44, a mortgage bond broker at Cantor Fitzgerald, was closest to Robert. "Same grade schools," the latter said in a memorial service, "same camps, same high school, same college, Syracuse University, living in the same co-op building, working in the same neighborhood, downtown Manhattan."
Yet they were not carbon copies. Robert Bernstein is known as meticulous in his habits, while William was more laid back, though he took great care in his appearance. Robert said his brother was more reserved, too, but once people got to know him, "they could see the genuineness, the kindness."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kyrsten Rod
January 10, 2025
Happy belated birthday Billy! I do not know you but saw your name pop up on a 9/11 birthday memorial page. We share the same birthday.
Cindy Roe
September 1, 2021
Remembering William on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Del Newberry
October 6, 2017
As I read the many memories about Bill,whom I did not know, I was struck by how nice he was, how he made everybody feel better. I will renew my efforts to honor his legacy by using the additional time God has allowed me on earth to make someone's life a little brighter, as Bill seemed to always do.
My prayers go up for Bill's many friends and family. Much love from Texas,
rocco & patty Sassone
April 1, 2016
Our deepest heartfelt condolensces go out to the Bernstein family. We had lost touch with Bill over the years since our last dinner in NYC him and having no luck reaching out to him, always thought we'd reconnect one day. He has been in our hearts and on our minds since and today we learned of his fate. He was a good guy and great friend whose memory will live on forever with us.
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Puerto Rico 1981Caribe Hilton
rocco & patty Sassone
April 1, 2016
rocco & patty Sassone
April 1, 2016
rocco & patty Sassone
April 1, 2016
Puerto Rico 1981Caribe Hilton
rocco & patty Sassone
April 1, 2016
Madeline Minuto
September 10, 2014
May you rest in peace Billy!! Prayers for your family
HZR
September 10, 2014
Billy and I dated for a few months. He showed up in my life shortly after my first marriage ended. At a time when I was at my lowest point, he brought the light back into my life. No one made me laugh more. He made me feel so appreciated, and did I say...no one made me laugh more. And my mother adored him. He was clearly, simply, a good guy. Billy helped me to come back to life. Thanks, Billy. Rest in Peace,
Bernard Ang
September 11, 2013
Miss you my friend, workout partner at NYHRC and SU Alum.
Barbara Boam
February 20, 2013
I walked a mile for you (mile #179) on 2/19/13 as a dedication to your life.
Ross Williams
May 5, 2012
Sigh... leave off your moaning and lamentations, and sing unto the lord a new song
January 18, 2012
To The Family,
It's been a little over 10 years but the pain of 9/11 is still here. I did not know the deceased but I still would like to offer my deepest sympathy to you. When we lose our loved ones in death the Almighty is our only hope. For He promises that the righteous ones will see it when He cuts off or put an end to the wicked. When Mr. Bernstein awakens from the sleep of death all wickedness will have been done away with and he will have the opportunity of living forever.
Sincerely,
Mr. Terry of NC
Deb Seefried
September 11, 2011
Ours was a wonderful long distance relationship you in NY me in Seattle meeting up when I was in NY on business...on this day 10 years ago I lost a dear friend...I will remember you always and that crazy phrase of yours "Oh Baby!!!"
Doug Abraham
April 1, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kristine
October 18, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
August 23, 2006
In memory....
Marcia Weinstein
September 11, 2003
Billy,
Today I thought of those days in Mt Freedom and memories of you flooded back. You made me smile back then and the memories made me smile today. Thank you for being a part of my life. Rest in peace "Bear"
Love, Marcia
Tiffany Flanagan
September 12, 2002
I am a senior at Santaluces High. For the one year anniversary of 9/11, my school gave out name tags to each student, on the name tag was the name of a person that had been killed on that day. I got Mr.Bernstein. After reading all the entrees that have been placed here by loved ones, I have realized how many people one persons life can effect. I would like to thank Mr. Bernstien and all of those who had to die on that tragic day, because now, not only are we stronger but we love more openly. RIP and God bless.
Lori Goldfinger
September 11, 2002
On this date 9/11/02 my families thoughts are with the Bernstein family.
Andrew Tam
September 11, 2002
Billy, you touched our lives in so many ways and gave us so much lasting memories. You always gave an impression of gentleness and kindness that will not be forgotten.
Fred Estrada
September 11, 2002
It's a year later, and I still feel like I lost a piece of me...Anyone who knew him, knew they had a true friend...As Bill would say, "we gotta' do the do"...['Don't worry, I never fully understood it either - it just sounded reassuring]...
Pamela Moreland
September 10, 2002
Today marks one year that I last spoke with Billy. I never imagined it would have been the last time that I would hear his voice. Billy brought some much joy to my life as well as others that he touched. Billy lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every minute of it.
Billy
Your friend Harry Nappi and I miss you so much and we will keep your memory alive and in our hearts forever...
"Gone but not forgotten".......
PAM
...we will never forget
Lori Sabella
August 14, 2002
Yesterday I gave blood through United Blood Services as part of the 'Chain of Life' 1 year anniversary memorial to the 9-11 victims. It was the first time I have ever donated blood, and I felt it was for a great cause. I drew Mr. Bernstein's name as the victim for whom my blood was being donated. When I pulled up this tribute information, the eerie thing was that we are the same age, or would have been. To Mr. Bernstein and all the fallen heroes of that fateful day, you will always be inour prayers and our hearts.
Angie Campbell
April 22, 2002
Rest in peace and may God Bless you and the ones that you left behind on 9/11/01.
Karen Montague
January 16, 2002
Bill,
I remember the first time we met. (That's not something that I remember a lot with people.) You were walking down the hall with your arm in a sling, and I was walking down the hall with a cast on my leg. You then turned to me and said, "And I thought I was in bad shape." It was kind of funny, as we were talking people were walking past us were on their way the company cafeteria, and just looking at us as if we accident prone. He put a smile on my face and told me don't worry everything is going to be ok.
Eventually, the cast came off as well as his sling. We both ended up doing physical therapy and often exchanged stories.
In the late summer, he told me he couldn't decide to go to Hawaii or Florida. Being that he was still doing therapy, he wanted to go swimming, but he knew he had to take it light, so all he would be doing is playing golf and catching some rays. I suggested he should go to Hawaii. He explained to me that his parents lived in Florida, but he hasn't seen his nephews in a while and he really missed them. Bill also mentioned his parents will be in Hawaii. I told him to have a great time and try to be with most of your family as often as you can. And send me a post card.
Then on that tragic day Sept. 11th, Bill as well as thousands of other people were taken away from us by cowards.
May you rest in peace my friend, please continue to watch over us.
Teresa Jahn
January 8, 2002
May Bill's honesty, warm heart, life and love live on in those who love him. May the sorrow you feel today be lightened by warm memories of times together. We are very sorry for your loss of Bill. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Arthur Pasternak
December 14, 2001
I knew Bill from the time we were eight years old. He was selfless, caring, understanding, honest, loyal, and a great friend. Even though we lost touch over the years and went our separate ways, I'll always remember he would do anything for anyone. Although I wasn't aware of his senseless murder at the time, his twin brother Bob reached out to find me afterwards and let me know what had happened. Unforetunately, Bob and I had lost touch for several years as well. During our subsequent dinner meeting between the Pasternaks and the Bernsteins, Bob and I rekindled our friendship and will make sure we never lose touch. Even in death, Bill continues to give love, friendship and a sense of the right thing to do. I'll never forget you Bill, you'll always make those around you proud to be associated with you and a better person for it. Love always, Art Pasternak
Ruth Madrid
December 11, 2001
My prayers go to the family of Bill Bernstein. I spoke to his twin brother Robert, and we spoke, of how Americans have become closer, because of such a tragedy, and he told me his family has definately become closer since this event. I volunteer with Mercyband in Albuquerque, and our purpose it to wear these bands and keep the families in prayer. May Jesus Christ give you comfort in your sorrow. In Christ's sweet Love-Ruth
IRENE
December 7, 2001
GOD BLESS WILLIAM H. (BILL) BERNSTEIN AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER
FORGET 9/11/01
Jeannie Nockels
November 23, 2001
I wear a Mercy Band with William Bernstein's name on it, in tribute to him and all of the victims of the terrorist attack. I pray for him and his family everyday.
Mary White
November 4, 2001
Trinity Episcopal Church
410 North Pine Street
Florence, Alabama 35630
To the Family of Bill Bernstein,
On All Saints Sunday, November 4th, Trinity Episcopal Church held a Blood Drive in memory of all who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Each person who donated chose a name to memorialize by his or her gift. Bill Bernstein was chosen by Dr. Robert Yoder, a member of our church. Although we cannot lessen your personal pain and grief over this terrible tragedy, please know that you and your loved one are not forgotten and that we keep you in our hearts and prayers. May God bless you!
Sincerely,
Mary White
Chairman, Outreach
christine DeLuca
October 28, 2001
I came to nyc to visit the ground zero site because i grew up here and my family is still here.
As we were walking, a piece of paper flew from the restricted site and landed by our feet. We picked it up and it was a business card from your brother. It completely broke my heart. I, fortunately, didn't know anyone in the tragedy, but this experience made it very personal for me . . . i am soooooooo very sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to u and your family!!
leslie miller
October 11, 2001
Please find solace in happy memories-- this was a "wonderful life"!
andrea adelman
October 6, 2001
I am so heartbroken to hear of your twin brother. What a terrible loss.
"Good night sweet prince, and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
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