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Ira M. Bernstein

FUNERAL HOME

CLOSED-David C. Gross Funeral Homes

3622 Central Avenue

St. Petersburg, Florida

Ira Bernstein Obituary

Ira Bernstein

Asheville - Ira Bernstein, 71, of Asheville, NC, passed away Dec. 2, 2015. Ira was born in Brooklyn, NY and worked for 40 years as a gastroenterologist at the Asheville VA Medical Center. His zany manner and clinical acumen were loved and admired by everyone who knew him. Ira is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Patricia; daughter, Crystal; step-son, Avery (Kate) Stephens; step-granddaughter, Adrien Calloway; sister-in-law, Barbara; niece, Rachel; and nephew, Ezra. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Jules & Lillian; brother, Zale; and nephew, Jonah. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Tuesday, Dec. 8th at the David C. Gross Funeral Home in St. Petersburg, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Ira's memory to the Sierra Club Foundation. Guestbook at davidcgross.com. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, St. Petersburg, FL, 727-381-4911

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Published by Asheville Citizen-Times on Dec. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Ira Bernstein

23 Entries

Andrew Rogers

September 21, 2024

I was related to Ira and Zale through their adoptive father, Herman (Duke) Cohen who was my mother´s first cousin. We also lived in Brooklyn and I recall Ira coming over to our apartment to practice piano as we had one and his family did not. I remember him driving his motorcycle which I believe was an Indian. He was tall and thin and very bright. I remember being a poll bearer at his mother´s funeral. That was an awful day. I just read that not only did he pass away but so did Zale. I am so sorry for everyone´s loss in both families. Zale gave me my first three albums as I was 3 years younger than he. I still think back fondly of that day.

Dennis Kabasan

August 3, 2016

It was my privilege to have been a colleague of Ira's in Medicine at the Asheville/Charles George VA for twenty-two years. He was a gentleman and treated his patients and all others he came to know, with dignity and respect. Others have commented on his humorous ways better than I could. I will only add that he was a man who was honest and marched to his own drummer. He was refreshing in that way. My sincerest condolences to Patty and the rest of his family. May our God comfort and strengthen you in this time.

John Newkirk

January 3, 2016

I was another of Ira's roommates while he was at Bowman Gray. He was the first hippie there, and his beard rankled the conservative staff. I found him to be generous, compassionate and interested in others. I am deeply saddened that he has passed on.

Lovett Reddick

January 3, 2016

I just learned of ira's passing. I was a classmate of ira's in med school. He was definitely different! We, along with 3-5 others, lived in a rented house 1/2 block from the med school. Neither ira or myself had a car, but ira had a 500cc BMW motorcycle and he and I would cruise the backroads of western NC on weekends...it was surreal. Ira taught me how to "drive" that BMW which was great, esp since i'm short and my feet didn't touch ground, so ira had to support the bike untill I got is going. I will miss him...

DOROTHY GIBBS SAVIO

December 12, 2015

AS A FRIEND OF THE GARRETT FAMILY, PATTY, PAM, HELEN and BILL, I WISH YOU PEACE. YOU HAVE A PLACE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER.

steven west

December 10, 2015

Dr. Bernstein was a very good friend of mine who I had the privlege to work with at the VA Hospital. I felt he was a genius and many hundreds of people he greated graciously. He always said hello to me and sometimes he would say the wrong name but he always knew me. I worked in Xray Department a registered radiologic technolist. I looked forward to seeing him in the hall or helping him do procedures. If I could co anything for the family I would pray for their loss and Hold them up to God in Heaven. Thank you for lending him to us and God Bless You all.

Larry Cain

December 10, 2015

We would like to express our deepest sympathy at the passing of Dr. ,Bernstein.May you be comforted,knowing his was a life well lived.
Sincerely, Larry and Maria Cain

Justin Travis

December 10, 2015

The Man, The Myth, The LEGEND. Dr. Bernstein was my gastro doc since I first started going to the VA when I was barely 22 years old. He did so much for me over the years I couldn't possibly list it all here. Going to the VA will never be the same knowing that I won't be lucky enough to run into him in the halls, or see him for a procedure or office visit. You could be in the worst mood, and talk to Dr. B for 2 minutes and feel like a million bucks. "There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die" HST

Starlette McCracken-Davis

December 10, 2015

Dr. Bernstein's light will be greatly missed at the VA. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the family.

Teresa lunsford

December 8, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss I worked with Dr. B in the endoscopy clinic and he was one of a kind. God bless all of you for your loss

Joseph McGowin

December 8, 2015

Brilliant, benevolent and beloved. Goodbye my friend and thank you for all that you taught me.

Wanda

December 7, 2015

Dr. B was "one of a kind" and he liked it that way as did those of us who knew and worked with him for many years at the VA in Asheville. Prayers are with the family.

William Chapman

December 7, 2015

I worked with Ira for 28 years - he was always a kind and gentle soul - my deepest sympathy to the family.

December 7, 2015

My prayers and thoughts go out to the family . I worked with Dr, Bernstern for many years at the VA in Asheville. He was a very special person. from Bobby L Kee

Sally McDuffie

December 7, 2015

Always kind and gentle with a sparkle in his eyes, I will miss seeing Doc. Our neighborhood will never be the same and I will think of him often and especially when I walk down Ponderosa. Patty, Crystal, and Avery, I will keep you are in my prayers.
Sally

Janet Warren Wilson

December 7, 2015

Dr. B was a wonderful individual. His unique personality, sense of humor and great treatment of our Veterans will be missed. I had the great pleasure of working with him at the Asheville VA for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. God Bless.

Phil

December 7, 2015

My deepest sympathy goes out to you. Do not think that you can never be happy again. Be assured that Jehovah God cares for you and He is willing, and ready to come to the aid of those who earnestly look to him for help.

December 7, 2015

As a neighbor of many years, I respected "Doc"for his intellect and gentle kindness. He was a true treasure enriching the lives of everyone who knew him. Patty, Crystal, and Avery holding you close in heart during this great loss. Genevieve Butler Isle of Palms

Sumodh Kalathil

December 7, 2015

My mentor, colleague and a very dear friend. I feel fortunate to have known you. You will be missed.

Norman Einstein

December 6, 2015

"To know him was to love him". I will miss you cousin. Norman Einstein

philip zike

December 6, 2015

We will miss you.

Pamela McCabe

December 6, 2015

I will miss you, dear Brother-in-Law. I will miss your hospitality, your kindness, and your love. I will miss your sense of high hilarity and your ability to make an ordinary occasion into a celebration. As much as my heart is relieved you have broken the surly bonds of this earth, it aches that you are gone.

December 6, 2015

I worked with Dr.B for over35 years. He was a very special person with a unique and kind soul. This old world will be darker without him and I will miss him.

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