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Barry Bernsten Obituary
Barry H. Bernsten Senior of Phoenix, Arizona passed away quietly in his sleep on February 28th, 2011. Barry was a bigger than life character with an even bigger heart who was always willing to help any one of his many family and friends. That loving heart is now at rest. Barry was a veteran of the United States Marines, a Shichidan 7th degree black belt and long time owner of Bernsten's House of Karate in Phoenix. Barry, or Sensei, as his students called him, was a martial arts and fitness instructor who taught thousands of people of all ages during a career that spanned over four decades. In 1980 Barry built the "New Madison Square Garden" where he and wife Donna promoted professional karate, boxing, kick boxing and wrestling. Barry also worked occasionally as a stuntman and martial arts consultant for movies and appeared in films such as "The Trials of Billy Jack". Barry was preceded in death by his father and hero Morris David Bernsten and the son of his heart Barry H. Bernsten Junior. Barry is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years Donna, his loving mother Jeanette, sisters Marcia Beram-Hungerford (Wayne) and Helene Heckman, brothers Richard J. Bernsten and Paul V. Bernsten, daughter in law Cynthia, grandchildren Barry III (Tara), Morris, Nathan and Kira, great grandchildren Sean and Marissa, nephews and nieces Mike Beram (Marianne), Tony Beram (Maria), Nick Beram (Ada), Theresa Heckman, David Heckman and Mandy Heckman. Barry had many more great nieces and nephews who he doted on as well as friends all over Phoenix and the United States. Barry was a man who did things his way and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be Sunday, March 6, 2011 from 10 am - 12 Noon at Hansen Mortuary, 8314 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ. Graveside service will follow at 1:00 pm at Green Acres Memorial Park, 401 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, AZ. A Fellowship Luncheon will follow the service at Bernsten's Phoenix House of Karate, 2046 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85006. Donations in memory of Barry H. Bernsten, Sr. can be sent to Trees of Israel - please call 800/542-8733. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com to send online condolences. Arrangements by Hansen Mortuary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barry Bernsten
Mark MacRae
August 18, 2025
Condolences and prayers to all the family and friends of Sensei Bernsten. Sensei and all the instructors will be greatly missed! Phoenix House of Karate was a wonderful place! Very much missed.
When I came back to town the dojo was closed. And now in 2025 I look up about it and found this. I was in the dojo in the 90s. Definitely a big part of my life , a wonderful Sensei and dojo!
GOD bless,
Mark MacRae
Thomas K. Nigrelli
April 16, 2025
I met Barry in 1982 when I was a struggling boxer. He told me that if I would put my weight into my punches, I would knock people out. He instructed me on how to get my weight into my punches. He definitely helped me. He was a great instructor and a great guy. Rest in eternal peace.
Neil Webb
May 1, 2024
Sensei Barry saved my life. I am an "Ex" Marine. I became homeless and was wondering around phoenix when I saw The Phoenix House of Karate. Intrigued I went up to the window to look closer. The Dojo was IMMACULATE...The photos,history,weapons and atmosphere just screamed TOP SHELF PROFESSIONAL. Sensei Barry came out to greet me and we chatted. Finding out my situation and that I was a fellow Marine, he gave me a job,place to stay and taught me martial arts. The things I learned from this GREAT man have made it possible for me to have a new/better life and pay Senseis kindness back 4 fold. One of his GREATEST sayings was, "THe BEST gift you can give a person is the knowledge and ability to defend themselves." He IS and ALWAYS will be a GREAT and Noble man. You are loved and missed Sensei.
Gerardo Reyes
October 21, 2023
Sensi Bernstein was a great man whom we both shared certain lifestyles as young men. He had helped me change my life around. I was a troubled young man in my early twenties. I came to him looking for a place to lift weights but found a love in martial arts. I was given an opportunity to become a part of his company and help others find their potential. I wished I had the opportunity to thank him in person. I wished how I could show him how I changed to become a productive member of society. I worked hard and became a firefight paramedic and now in med school to progress in medicine. This would have not been possible if it wasn´t God putting this man in my life. With great love and respect to a strong and awesome mentor. Respectfully Gerardo Reyes AKA (Jerry).
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Gary Lindsey
July 11, 2023
I was a friend of Barry Jr in my grade school years , Barry Sr taught me to respect others and to be strong through all my hard times , he knew I had a bad family life . And treated me stern but with kindness, the first time I went into his house , he had guns sitting around the house , he took to to the gun and said that they are not to be touched or he would break my hands lol
Donnie Fouch
April 23, 2022
Thank you for teaching me and allowing me to study all 7 martial arts
At your studio, and thank you for being in my corner every time I had a match & pushing me through the pain in classes and matches, you will be missed and loved always.
Rest in peace Sensei.
Bob
February 26, 2022
Gone but never forgotten!
Fernando
February 12, 2022
Doing flyers in the middle of the phoenix summer was a pleasure i would do it again in a heart beat,, Sensei, you forage us into great men and women.
Chris Gutierrez
June 19, 2021
God bless your heart Sensi, Thankyou for being a good teacher and a good honest person who was there for me when i needed a hand one time you didnt think twise to reach out. Thankyou. May your heart and soul be in Gods mighty care for eternety.
Chris Sell
January 13, 2021
Even after all these years not a day passes where I’m not reminded of a story sensei told me, a life lesson he taught me or the jokes and good times we shared. He helped me out more than I ever could have expected even to this day, reading all the comments of things he done for others has been a blessing.
You will be missed.
Bill Autrey
August 12, 2017
1976 was difficult time for me as I started High School in a Arizona. I lived near the Phoenix House of Karate and soon found myself training with Sensei Bernsten. It was a life changing expiriance for me as I developed confidence and learned about life. Once during a Dojo tournament I was punched in the face and a point was scored. Sensei awarded the point to my opponent and then told me, "you can not lead with your face". Sensei taught me so much about being a man and what is important in life. For five years, the Phoenix House of Karate played a major part of my life. All of the life the lessons Sensei taught me kept me confident and aware. I still remember the stories he told about the Marine Corps and his Vietnam tour. I guess I thought that he would live forever. Young people need to learn from role models. Sensei Bernsten was that role model for me.
Dr. James Jordan
May 15, 2013
Sensei,
You were there for me at a critical time in my life when I needed someone like you the most. I will remember you and Barry Jr. for the rest of my days. If Donna should read this, please accept my much belated condolances with much love and devotion.
Craig Silver
April 1, 2013
Sensei - i knew you when I was a child, and you tought me to be a man, to think for myself and to never forget what you taught me - and how to make it fit my life. I will honor you forever.
Bowery L. Baker (Bersnten westside dojo)
Bowery Baker
January 21, 2013
Sensei, your son was a major impact on my martial arts lifestyle. I had spoken with you shortly before death in 2010, and you gave me words of advice that have stayed with me, how kempo derived from kung fu and my studies matched up. Thank you for bringing me a clearer focus. Rest in peace, Sensei.
August 23, 2012
Hey Sensei,
Excuse me for using this forum to try and impress a girl, but I hope to show her the source of all my Sensei stories. It was over 30 years and you have rested firmly in my head and heart from the moment we shook hands. Firm, but never overpowering. I think I may have found a new safe haven, but you will always remain strong in the background. As always, God Bless You and All of Your Loved Ones. Tana
paul hagenmaier
June 18, 2012
good bye sensi
June 11, 2012
Sensei, the shock is beginning to wear off and i don't want to show any disrespect. please help me understand the lessons you taught me. for over 30 years of my life you were there and now you're gone. thank you thank you! and forevermore, Thank You. bob
June 7, 2012
Sensei, While you still hold such a great place in my memory, the sadness of your and Sifu's passing has burned a hole in my heart. I've got a year to express what I feel. I can't run away to Phoenix any more. You once accused me of sending you a 25 page letter and we both knew it was only 12. Enhanced truth, spirit willing and able, our handshake our bond, we walked strong on this planet. You were the Man and always will be. Thank You and God Bless you and all your Loved One's forever. Montana Bob p.s. to be continued
Kathleen Walton
April 4, 2011
My sincere condolence to all the Bernsten family....I have fond memories of him being larger than life as a child...Rest in peace Uncle Barry.
John Earley
March 20, 2011
Sensei Bernsten was a great man and will be forever in the hearts of my family and I for as long as we live. Peace be with you sensei.
March 15, 2011
I've always enjoyed Mr.Bernsten,as a one of a kind,character, He was indeed fun to be around. He will indeed be missed by those who loved him!! As Ever,
With Honor, Si-Fu George D. Mosson, Fellow martial artist, Casa Grande, Az.
Ashley Ickes
March 12, 2011
Uncle Barry was a wonderful man! Intelligent, thoughtful, and kind. May you rest in peace and we will always remember you!
Todd Redfern
March 7, 2011
Barry brought many gifts into our lives and showed much kindness to my family. We will never forget him!
Lonny Coots
March 7, 2011
My condolence to the Bernsten family.
Michael Reed
March 5, 2011
For all we know, we will never meet again . So we Love Today as if there is no tomorrow! So long Barry, My Friend, Love you, Michael Reed!
John Santa Cruz
March 5, 2011
Sensei,
I always thought you would live forever. You helped me in ways that I still discover to this day. I loved telling you the stories of myself getting in "disagreements" with others. I know you had a million other stories that topped mine many times over. I thank you not only for teaching me martial arts but also teaching me how to interact with different personality types, how to manage multiple people, and how to believe I have more to offer then what I think I have. You helped me believe in myself and become a man. I can never repay what you had given me. I honor and bless you, Sensei, believe me when I say not only I but the world will sorely miss you. Rest well, and for the first time I will call you my friend :)
Wyatt Moore
March 5, 2011
Sensei,
My teacher, my friend, and my brother! You have given me a valuable gift; that I shall cherish, and share as you have done!
My condolence to the family, may God Blessings strengthen you all doing this stressful time!
janet madsen
March 4, 2011
I am sending my deepest condolences to the Bernsten family, in their time of tragedy. May God be with you and your family.
Bill Anderson
March 4, 2011
My prayers go out to the family and friends of Barry H. Bernsten Sr. I wrestled for his promotion in the early 1980's. He was always good to me! He will be missed. Rest In Peace my friend!
Michael Weishaar
March 4, 2011
My deepest sympathy to all of the Bernsten family. May you rest in peace, Sensei. You will be missed.
Michael Weishaar
March 4, 2011
From my family to yours. Please accept our deepest sympathy. May you rest in peace, Sensei.
Cindy Bernsten
March 4, 2011
You were always there for me and this will live a giant hole in my life. I love you Dad!
Louie Angelo Garcia
March 4, 2011
Sensei was a great mentor, he allways had a story to tell and advice to give whenever there was a problem. If he saw something wrong he would correct it, but there was allways room for improvement and thats the way he lived his life. May you rest in peace Sensei; we will allways keep you in our hearts. Louie Angelo The Killer Garcia
Patrick Rice
March 4, 2011
Dear Bernsten Family,
Our deepest sympathy in this time of loss.
Every Marine, past and present is an honored part of our family.
Semper Fi,
Patrick Rice
Marine Corps League
Detachment 1296
East Valley Marines
John Santa Cruz
March 4, 2011
Sensei, you helped me out at a time in my life where you were greatly needed. I thank you for the time you spent with me. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Bless you, you will be sorely missed. John Santa Cruz.
Heath Schecter
March 4, 2011
Baruch dayan ha'emet. Rest in Peace Sensei. I will always remember the opportunity you gave me when I first moved to Arizona. My condolences to Donna, Cifu and the rest of your family and loved ones.
Sarah Scott
March 4, 2011
Donna and Family. We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Barry and my father, Haboo, were the greatest of friends. He made a very big difference in all of our lives. He was a very full-of-life kinda of person and he will be missed dearly. When my father passed last year, he made it alot easier on our family by letting us know how much we really meant to him. I hope you guys know the same. His family was his world. He made sure I knew that. Although he wasn't my biological uncle, he will always be my Uncle Barry. I'm sorry that we will be unable to attend the memorial, I just hope you all know how sorry we are and that our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with you all during this time of grief.
The Severson - Scott Family.
Dennis Rood
March 4, 2011
Sansei was much more than a business man and a martial arts instructor; he was a husband, a father, a teacher, and a marine who dedicated his life in the service of others. He was a great man who would go leaps and bounds to help others in his lifetime to make people happy which made him a great businessman. A lot of his kindness came from the great woman he had behind him Mrs. Donna, Sensei was a counselor and advisor to his Student Instructors in many other facets of life outside of the dojo and to some of us he was a Father figure and acted as such and would have been respected and protected at his whim. Thank you for what you have given us.
God Bless you Sensei, Barry H. Bernsten Sr.
We will all miss you,
D. Rood and Family
Thank You Sensei
Shike
March 4, 2011
Shike
March 4, 2011
Time to rest Sensei....
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