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Donald H. Bernstein
1938 - 2025
BORN
1938
DIED
2025
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Donald Bernstein Obituary
Donald H. Bernstein
September 4, 1938 - August 11, 2025
Charlotte, North Carolina - Donald H Bernstein, devoted family man, and tireless advocate for the arts and Jewish Community, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, at the age of 86.
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on September 4, 1938, Mr. Bernstein moved with his family at the age of 6, to Highland Park, Illinois. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1956 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois Business School in 1960. During his college years, he was an active member of his fraternity – Zeta Beta Tau, serving as president during his senior year – a role that reflected his early leadership.
Following graduation, Mr. Bernstein proudly served in the U.S. Army as part of the Army Security Agency. After his military service, he joined the Herbert S. Bernstein Company, working alongside his father in the textile converting industry. His career spanned decades through multiple corporate mergers and acquisitions, culminating in his role as President of Hanes Converting Company in Conover, NC. Under his leadership, the company saw significant growth in sales and customer relationships. Yet, he was equally proud of his role in establishing a scholarship program for employees' children, a testament to his belief in education and opportunity.
After more than 30 years, Mr. Bernstein chose early retirement to make space for emerging leaders in his company, though he continued to offer mentorship and guidance for years thereafter.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr Bernstein was deeply passionate about the arts. He was an avid collector of fine art as well as a dedicated supporter and board member of several nonprofit organizations, including The Charlotte Ballet and Spoleto Festival USA. He was an active and philanthropic member of the Jewish Federation of greater Charlotte, Temple Beth El in Charlotte and Temple Emanu-El in Sarasota, Florida. In the past five years, he truly embraced his Judaism by rarely missing a Friday night service.
A Visionary thinker, Mr. Bernstein was instrumental in founding the Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community and helped launch a young leadership initiative now known as the Bernstein Leadership Group. His efforts ensured a vibrant future for Jewish life in the region. He also cherished his time at Chautauqua, New York, where he engaged in lifelong learning for over two decades.
Mr. Bernstein's love for life was evident in his hobbies and relationships. He found joy in boating, skiing, and world travel. Looking at the ocean was his favorite view. He maintained lifelong friendships, nurturing bonds from childhood through his final days. To know Don was to have a friend for life.
Above all, Mr. Bernstein was devoted to his family. He was a loving father to his twin sons, whom he considered a miraculous blessing, and he carried the deep sorrow of losing his beloved daughter. His nieces, nephews, and their children adored "Uncle Don", who was a father figure to many. His greatest joy was his 62-year marriage to his wife, Bobbi, his soulmate and love of his life. Their enduring affection was a rare and beautiful love story.
Mr. Bernstein will be remembered not only for his generosity and leadership, but also for his unwavering kindness, ability to listen without judgement and his warm, genuine smile. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.
Don is survived by his loving wife Bobbi, his children, David (Bernie Goldberg), Daniel (Stephen Mally), his sister-in-law, Carol Sandler, his brother-in-law, AJ Kalver, his niece, Susan Sandler (David Goodman), his nephews, Michael Sandler (Dana), Benjamin Sandler (Lolly Jamerson) and all their loving children.
He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert S Bernstein, his mother, Judy M Bernstein, his sister, Ann Bernstein Brown, his aunt Lucky Munzer, and his daughter, Leslie Ann Bernstein.
His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
Funeral will be held on Sunday August 17 at 1pm at Temple Beth El, 5101 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28226.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Temple Beth El, The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte or a local charity of your choice.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.
September 4, 1938 - August 11, 2025
Charlotte, North Carolina - Donald H Bernstein, devoted family man, and tireless advocate for the arts and Jewish Community, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, at the age of 86.
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on September 4, 1938, Mr. Bernstein moved with his family at the age of 6, to Highland Park, Illinois. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1956 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois Business School in 1960. During his college years, he was an active member of his fraternity – Zeta Beta Tau, serving as president during his senior year – a role that reflected his early leadership.
Following graduation, Mr. Bernstein proudly served in the U.S. Army as part of the Army Security Agency. After his military service, he joined the Herbert S. Bernstein Company, working alongside his father in the textile converting industry. His career spanned decades through multiple corporate mergers and acquisitions, culminating in his role as President of Hanes Converting Company in Conover, NC. Under his leadership, the company saw significant growth in sales and customer relationships. Yet, he was equally proud of his role in establishing a scholarship program for employees' children, a testament to his belief in education and opportunity.
After more than 30 years, Mr. Bernstein chose early retirement to make space for emerging leaders in his company, though he continued to offer mentorship and guidance for years thereafter.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr Bernstein was deeply passionate about the arts. He was an avid collector of fine art as well as a dedicated supporter and board member of several nonprofit organizations, including The Charlotte Ballet and Spoleto Festival USA. He was an active and philanthropic member of the Jewish Federation of greater Charlotte, Temple Beth El in Charlotte and Temple Emanu-El in Sarasota, Florida. In the past five years, he truly embraced his Judaism by rarely missing a Friday night service.
A Visionary thinker, Mr. Bernstein was instrumental in founding the Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community and helped launch a young leadership initiative now known as the Bernstein Leadership Group. His efforts ensured a vibrant future for Jewish life in the region. He also cherished his time at Chautauqua, New York, where he engaged in lifelong learning for over two decades.
Mr. Bernstein's love for life was evident in his hobbies and relationships. He found joy in boating, skiing, and world travel. Looking at the ocean was his favorite view. He maintained lifelong friendships, nurturing bonds from childhood through his final days. To know Don was to have a friend for life.
Above all, Mr. Bernstein was devoted to his family. He was a loving father to his twin sons, whom he considered a miraculous blessing, and he carried the deep sorrow of losing his beloved daughter. His nieces, nephews, and their children adored "Uncle Don", who was a father figure to many. His greatest joy was his 62-year marriage to his wife, Bobbi, his soulmate and love of his life. Their enduring affection was a rare and beautiful love story.
Mr. Bernstein will be remembered not only for his generosity and leadership, but also for his unwavering kindness, ability to listen without judgement and his warm, genuine smile. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.
Don is survived by his loving wife Bobbi, his children, David (Bernie Goldberg), Daniel (Stephen Mally), his sister-in-law, Carol Sandler, his brother-in-law, AJ Kalver, his niece, Susan Sandler (David Goodman), his nephews, Michael Sandler (Dana), Benjamin Sandler (Lolly Jamerson) and all their loving children.
He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert S Bernstein, his mother, Judy M Bernstein, his sister, Ann Bernstein Brown, his aunt Lucky Munzer, and his daughter, Leslie Ann Bernstein.
His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
Funeral will be held on Sunday August 17 at 1pm at Temple Beth El, 5101 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28226.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Temple Beth El, The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte or a local charity of your choice.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Charlotte Observer from Aug. 15 to Aug. 17, 2025.
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McEwen Funeral Service - Pineville Chapel10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
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