Joseph "Joe" Bernstein

Joseph Bernstein passed away Saturday, July 6,
2024, at the age of 84, after a brief illness. Joe
was born on July 11, 1939, and was the son of
Jacob and Mary Bernstein. He was born in
Shamokin, PA and grew up on the beautiful Island
of Chincoteague, where his parents owned and
operated their factory, JM Bernstein
Manufacturing Co.
Joe made many friends during his childhood and
was even voted Class President. He continued to
keep in touch with his classmates even as the
years passed by.
After high school, Joe moved to the Western
Shore to attend Mt. St. Mary's College. He began
working as a Buyer for Giant and was a dedicated
employee for over 20 years. Joe was involved with his family by coaching Little
League for his son and driving his daughter to
dance classes and recitals.
Because of Joe's love of his home and family, he
eventually came back to the Eastern Shore. Not
one to sit idle, Joe took positions as a Sales
Representative for several beachwear companies.
Having grown up working in the factory alongside
his parents and siblings, Joe knew that one day
he wanted to have his own business. Inspired by
his position as an outside representative, Joe
decided to open his first retail store, Sea Colony,
in Bethany Beach, Delaware.
Joe went on to open more retail beach shops in
his childhood hometown of Chincoteague. He
could always be found playing his guitar for the
customers. His customers became family to him,
returning year after year.
On November 10, 1990, Joe married his best
friend, Christine. They had 33 wonderful years of
marriage, taking fun trips together as a couple
and with their children and grandkids. They
worked together side by side at the shops
building their new future. After many years, Joe
and Christine made the tough decision to finally
retire. Even after retirement, Joe could still be
found on the Island attending the Chincoteague
Carnival with his brothers, enjoying the famous
Oyster sandwiches.
Joe was an active member of Trinity United
Methodist Church for many years, and was always
quick to volunteer. One of his many services to
the community was helping with the Men's
Shelter.
Joe will be greatly missed by his family, friends
and community.
Joe was predeceased by his wife and best friend
Christine in 2023.
Joe was blessed with six brothers and one sister.
He is survived by brothers Richard and wife Ellen
of Oxford; Daniel and wife Peggy of
Chincoteague; Nicholas and wife Judy of
Salisbury; and sister Faith Bernstein of Salisbury.
Joe's brothers Barry, David and Michael Bernstein
predeceased him.
Joe is survived by his son Joseph A. Bernstein
and his wife Barbara, of Salisbury; a daughter,
Robyn Bernstein and partner Steve Stine of Quantico;
and son Jason Bernstein of Salisbury.
He is also survived by his step-children, Lisa Davis
and husband Chris of Salisbury; and Pamela Miller
and husband James of Bethel, Delaware.
Joe is also survived by his grandchildren, Joseph
C. Bernstein of Salisbury; Mara King and her
spouse Joseph of Salisbury; Danielle Magarelli
and spouse Gabriel of Salisbury; and Grason
Winterbottom of Mardela; Ashley Herrera and
spouse Marcos of Virginia; and Christopher
Wahlne of Hawaii.
He is survived by step-grandchildren Matthew
Davis and wife Erin of Millsboro; Andrew Davis
and wife Megan of Salisbury; Anna Pope and
husband Andrew from North Carolina; and Austin
Miller of Ocean City.
Joe was loved by many great-grandchildren.
A memorial service and celebration of life will
take place at the Trinity Family Life Center on Mt.
Hermon Road on July 13, 2024 at 12pm. Visitation with the
family will be one hour prior.
Flowers and donations may be sent to Trinity
Family Life Center on Mt. Hermon Road.