Harry Bernstein

Harry Richard Bernstein, 78, of Colonia passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024 at his home.
Harry loved life. Harry loved people. Harry felt that his mission in life was to try to make peoples' lives better in any way he could. From his decision to become a social worker to his efforts to help the community in general to his various hobbies, his positive energy encouraged people to try to look on the bright side of life and work toward positive goals. He enjoyed all kinds of activities from playing music with his band, creating works of art in his adult art class, making movies containing casts of thousands of his friends, dressing up in whatever costume was needed to "roast" someone at a birthday celebration-the list goes on and on. The common thread that links them all together is how much fun he had and how many friends he made along the way. Of course, Harry had a serious side as well; he helped many of his students and members of his students' families learn to overcome issues with drugs and alcohol and he always felt that bringing hope, help, and a positive attitude could make a difference-maybe not right away, but eventually. His was a perfect balance between humor and compassion, optimism and realism.
Harry was devoted to Pat, his wife of 51 years, his son Jason and daughter in law Maureen, and especially doted on his granddaughters, Natalie and Hailey, who always called him "Harry" (partly due to the fact that they understood that he was in many ways a kid at heart). He loved his extended family of cousins and their spouses and children. He treasured his friends and was happiest when planning or running a party or special event.
Aware of his own mortality and the possibility that his physical heart would one day fail him, he always said that he wanted his funeral to be a chance for friends and family to share memories and stories, and celebrate the affection, enthusiasm, and love he shared with all of them.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2024 from 9am to 11am at GERITY & CHUBENKO FUNERAL HOME, 411 Amboy Avenue, Woodbridge followed by 11:30am interment at graveside services at Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge.
The family will sit Shiva on Monday, December 23, 2024 at the Bernstein residence from 3pm to 8pm.
Memorial contributions in memory of Harry may be made to a charity of your choice.