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Bernard Charles Gewirtz

Bernard Gewirtz Obituary

GEWIRTZ, BERNARD CHARLES Pompano Beach, FL Chesaning, MI 1946 - 2014 Bernard's life on earth moved peacefully to its close on February 3rd with brothers, Frederick (Elaine) and Richard (Lori) by his side and sisters, Mary Jo (Chris Wood), Barbara (Tom Sellers), Deborah (Marvin Henige), Sandra and brother Joe (Diana) in his heart. He also leaves behind 12 nieces and nephews and 13 grand-nieces and nephews. Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, Ann (Eickholt) and Arthur Gewirtz and sister, Patricia Peters. Bernard received his Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, MD. He served three years in the Peace Corp in Eastern Nepal working under the Ministry of Agriculture to assist farmers in increasing their production. He also organized vaccination programs to combat tuberculosis and small pox. Upon his return to Chesaning he worked for one year at The Gewirtz Hardware and Appliance Store. Bernard began his career with The Berlitz Language Center teaching English in Tokyo, Japan and then as the Local Instructional Supervisor of Tokyo and the Greater Tokyo Region. He supervised the planning and opening of the Sukhumvit Language Center in Bangkok, Thailand. He returned to Tokyo where he was the Manager of Human Resources for thirty-three Tokyo/Yokohama-area Language Centers. His final position with Berlitz was as the Director of The Berlitz Language Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For the past ten years Bernard was employed by The Beachcomber Hotel in Pompano Beach, FL. Bernard was an avid reader, a life-long seeker of knowledge and a collector of quotes. He was admired for his devotion to his family, his gentle spirit and his compassion. Those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to consider The Catholic Relief Services, local NPR or the charity of their choice. Bernard will live on in the hearts of his loved-ones and friends. A service will be held at a later date. "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery, today is a gift."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Saginaw News on MLive.com from Feb. 8 to Feb. 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Gewirtz

Sponsored by Cynthia Ann Seino.

22 Entries

Shirley

February 2, 2025

God bless your soul up in Heaven, Bernie (aka "Boins"/Bernard).
I know you are happy there, with your friends and relatives, and
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Love, Shirley Elizabeth Gifford

Shirley Elizabeth Gifford

February 2, 2023

Bernie is still in our hearts. Maybe he is smiling on us from Heaven now.
I would like to share an anecdote.
I was going to have lunch with Bernie one day, and I was sitting on a low cement wall outside the Akasaka Berlitz School waiting for him. He came out of the building, and as he walked up to me, I suddenly felt such terrible itchiness that I jumped up, looking at the cement seat and exclaimed, "I must have ants in my pants!" He laughed uproariously, and I did, too!
It must have been an allergic reaction to something on the seating area. Bernie had such a nice laugh; a great sense of humor. And, what a good person he was. I look forward to seeing him again one day, up in Heaven. God bless his soul.
Shirley

Shirley Elizabeth Gifford

February 2, 2022

I am thinking about dear Bernie today at the anniversary of his passing. I am so glad that he made a final trip to his beloved Japan just before he became so sick. He had longed to visit Japan again to see old friends, and his dream was fulfilled. God bless your soul, "Boins".

Shirley Gifford

February 2, 2021

Bernie was a dear friend to me. We used to enjoy long phone conversations chatting and often laughing together. I will always remember his goodness and kindness.

Cynthia Seino

February 4, 2015

Bernie has been, and always will be one of my closest and dearest of friends. I was so fortunate - thinking back now, to have had the chance for us to meet when he flew to Japan in December. We were both under the weather at the time but brushed it off, determined to enjoy the evening together. When he informed me of his test results soon after his return, what he said has helped me through the pain of loss and grief I feel so deeply - which I would like to share with those who may find some comfort, as I have.
Here are his words:

"I have had a good life... and am not bitter at all to end it sooner than later, so please don't feel too sad for me."

Attached is a photo we took at our last meet, where one of my cats 'TORAJIRO' decided to sit with Bernie the whole time.

My deepest condolences to the Gewirtz family, to the many members Bernie often spoke of whom I had never had the honour to meet in person.

Shirley Gifford

March 9, 2014

Bernie was a very good friend.
I am so happy for the nice memory of having dinner with Bernie and some of his family here in NYC some years ago, as
well as the two times I visited him in Pompano. We had fun times and always laughed a lot together. We didn't have time to talk regularly on the phone, but when we did, it would always last an hour or so.Bernie was full of life, and lived life well, always considering the needs of others. I will very much miss my good-hearted friend.

Gerry Patterson

February 17, 2014

Bernie hired me at Berlitz in Tokyo and he was always supportive and sympathetic when I ran t him with problems after becoming an Instructional Supervisor. RIP, Bernie.

Willi Lottner

February 12, 2014

I can only second Scott Sherwood's words. We – the union – may have caused him a lot of headaches, but we always respected Bernie. When I later moved to HQ as head of the OL dept. he was nothing but supportive. He was a good person and he will be missed. My condolences go out to his family.

Scott Sherwood

February 11, 2014

As a teachers union member I sat across from Bernie during negotiations in Tokyo when he was in Human Resources. His opinion might have been different but we all felt he dealt with us respectfully. Though we didn't know each other well, he always had a few minutes to chat when we ran into each other on the street. He was a really nice guy and a gentleman. My condolences to his family.

Catherine Renga

February 11, 2014

I met Bernie several times at different events of the Gewirtz family. I was always impressed by his easy going attitude and his gentle spirit. He was truly a caring person and loved his family. I'm sure he will be missed by all of his brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews. What is one of the most remarkable things about his family is their faithful love for each other and their willingness to help each other any time. It is truly something to cherish and admire.

Cathy Hata

February 11, 2014

I was very sorry to hear about Bernie's passing. He was a lovely man whom I met in Tokyo and knew of through the Berlitz schools. He will be missed...

Rodolfo Bulnes

February 11, 2014

I met Bernard years ago in Tokyo at Berlitz and over the years we became very good friends. I moved back to the US for a year and on my return I stayed at his place for a month or so, having a great time as roommates, then a few months later he moved to KL and I stopped by a couple of times there, and also he came over to Tokyo and I was so happy to be his host. Again and again we met and spent great times in FL, and I'm so glad that even as we moved around here and there we never lost contact and glad I could see him every few months as he was always smiling and laughing - such a kind, warm person - an amazing friend. Bernie will be always in my heart, and I send my condolences to all the Gewirtz family.

Mary Ann (Patterson) Punke

February 11, 2014

I was so sorry to hear that you have lost another loved family member. I haven't seen Bernie in years, but I remember his gentle manner and never ending smile.
I'm sure he's wrapped in warmth and happiness rejoining family members even though he will be greatly missed here. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.

Paul Higginbotham

February 10, 2014

I worked with Bernie for many years in Tokyo and always enjoyed our contact and interaction. My condolences to his family on losing Bernie too early. A good and decent man who always treated others kindly.

Carol Murata

February 10, 2014

Bernie was one of the most compassionate persons I have ever met. At one time he was my boss at Berlitz, Tokyo Headquarters but I looked at him as a brother I never had. He will always live in my heart.

February 10, 2014

We are sorry to learn of the passing of Bernard, but are grateful for his service to our nation as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal.

Our Condolences,

The National Peace Corps Association

Joe Griffin

February 10, 2014

My prayer and sympathy to the whole Gewirtz family and clan. May your faith, hope and love shared comfort you all.
Fr. Joe

Alvin Frazier

February 10, 2014

Bernie you will me missed..we met in Tokyo, Japan at the Berlitz Akasaka Language Center some 27 years ago. My prayers go out to the Gewirtz Family in this time of sorrow.

Alvin Frazier
Sendai, Japan

Mary Kasprzyk & Jim Boissonneault

February 9, 2014

We treasure the memory of the angel we knew full of love for his family and others. A friend of a lifetime that we were blessed with. May God bring you all comfort at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Rosalee Tithof

February 8, 2014

Bernie was a person who showed tenderness and compassion to all he encountered. My 39 year old daughter remembers meeting Bernie when she was 6 and still remembers the Japanese he taught her. Even with the small encounters, he would leave a lasting memory. I loved his soft spoken voice and pleasant smile, and I was always interested in hearing about his work overseas. What a role model.
I send my condolences to all of you Gewirtz siblings; you have such a strong bond that I am sure you will be there for each other.

Peace and love,
Rosalee Tithof

Bernie Loeblein

February 8, 2014

Our prayers and sympathy go out to the Gewirtz family. May God Bless All Of You.

Mark W Harris

February 8, 2014

I met Bernie in Seoul, Korea in 1984 when I was assigned to open Berlitz there and he was to be the Instructional Supervisor hiring and training teachers and bringing Berlitz Method to Korea. We had many regulatory problems and eventually could not open but I was reassigned to Berlitz Japan where Bernie was my good friend and colleague for the next six years before I was transferred back to the USA and Bernie took the challenge to open Berlitz in Malaysia. I will remember his good cheer and warmly supportive manner. He was the perfect teacher, a dedicated educator, and a steadfast and positive collaborator for all projects we undertook together. His kindness and the warmth of his heart which shined through his smile will warm the memories of countless people he helped from Nepal to Japan to Malaysia.....and I am one of the. Thank you Bernie. Your friend Mark, President & CEO Berlitz Corporation.

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