BERNARD CERTILMAN

CERTILMAN--Bernard. Bernard "Nardy" Certilman died at home peacefully on July 8th at age 93. He was a product of a bygone Brooklyn era, with all the joy and spiritedness that goes with it. He balanced his New York business life with his love for his life in Scottsdale, Arizona where he painted, played piano and enjoyed smoking cigars. Nardy was a second-generation automobile dealer. He began the career which became his passion at age 25 with a Chrysler dealership, becoming one of the youngest automobile dealers in the country at the time. In 1964, he acquired a Pontiac dealership in St. James, New York, which over time came to include nine brands of imported cars, one of which was Honda. The dealership he founded, Nardy Honda of Smithtown, was the second Honda automobile dealer on Long Island and still operates today as a family-run dealership. He was a great storyteller, the straw that stirred the drink among his family and friends, and his tough exterior belied a tender soul. He treasured family above all else. Nardy is survived by his loving wife, Marti, his brother, Morton (Joyce), his three sons, Steven (Terri), Robert and Lee (Amy), stepchildren Todd (Rebecca) and Lauren (Sergio), ten adoring grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to the Guide Dog Foundation of Smithtown, NY or the American Cancer Society.