Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1928
DIED
2022
Lawrence Bernstein Obituary
Lawrence A. Bernstein
March 16, 1928 - June 4, 2022
CARBONDALE - Artist and raconteur Lawrence A. Bernstein (94) passed away peacefully at his home near Carbondale, Illinois, on June 4, 2022. Larry, as he was known to most, was preceded in death by his parents: Morris and Sophie Bernstein; first wife, Jacqueline (nee Heitner) Bernstein; and second wife, Jean Stratman Bernstein. Survivors include his sons: Guido (Audrey) Bernstein of Mulkeytown Illinois, Seth (Jennifer) Bernstein of Millstadt, Illinois; Jean's children: Ted (Beth Tryon) Petith of Washburn, Wisconsin, Karl (Signe Bishop) Petith of Portland Oregon, and Heike (Greg) Smith of North Port, Florida; and grandchildren: Elias, Jacob, Jenny, Charmaine, Clayton, Miles, Benjamin, Spencer, Hollis; and great-grandchildren.
Larry was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1928. He studied Art at the Cooper Union in New York City before receiving a scholarship to attend Yale graduating with a BFA in 1952. He then received a scholarship to attend Cranbrook Academy of Art and received his MFA in 1953.
After graduation, Larry became the Director of Graphic Production at Michigan State University. In 1957 Larry moved to Kyoto, Japan with his first wife Jacqueline Heitner, a practicing potter. Jackie worked alongside renowned potter Shoji Hamada while Larry served as the director of the English training program for the Matsushita Corporation. In 1962 they returned to the US, and Larry accepted a position as an Associate Professor in the School of Art & Design at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he taught painting and drawing for 30 years before retiring in 1992.
Larry exhibited his work at numerous venues including the NAB Gallery in Chicago, the Evansville Museum of Art, the Elaine Benson Gallery in East Hampton, the Gilman Gallery in Chicago, and the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Museum. In 1985, Larry was awarded a prestigious National Endowment for the Arts grant for painting.
He will be deeply missed by his family, his students, friends and colleagues.
Per Larry's request, no funeral service will be held.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Bernstein
3 Entries
Peyton "Pate" Blewett
August 31, 2022
I didn´t know Larry well, but I was/am friends with his sons Guido and Seth. Larry was always very nice to me when I was young and I always admired his fantastic & original paintings. My condolences to the Bernstein family.
Matthew Daub
August 9, 2022
I just learned of this, and I'm heartbroken. Larry was my teacher and dear friend, and I'm happy to say we've kept up over the many years since my graduation. We spoke on the phone not long ago. He sounded great - sharp as can be. I can only say a part of my life is now missing. Love you, Larry. Buon viaggio.
Ryan Moore
July 30, 2022
I had the pleasure of meeting Larry at Pulliam pool in and around 2007. One particular conversation I had with him concerning an afterlife has always stuck with me. He told me he lived his life in such a way that even eating his breakfast was a euphoric experience. The idea of getting the most out of every experience and moment has stuck with me. I can honestly say, this concept is something that I think about on a daily basis. To the masterpiece known as Lawrence A. Bernstein and a life lived to the fullest.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Lawrence Bernstein's name
Memorial Events
for Lawrence Bernstein
How to support Lawrence's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Lawrence Bernstein's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
