Richard (Dick) Bernstein of Boca Raton, FL, formerly of Bloomfield and West Hartford, CT, died Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the age of 95. Born in Brooklyn, NY on December 21, 1928 to Sidney and Stella (Monason) Bernstein, he graduated from NYU with a degree in accounting, and proudly served in the Korean War in counterintelligence. In 1953, Dick and his father moved to West Hartford, CT to establish a window manufacturing company called Mercury Excelum, Inc. It was one of Dick’s greatest joys to see his business continue to thrive with his son-in-law and grandson at the helm. Soon after the move, Dick met his wife, Sonia Rose Alter, and the two married in 1955.
Dick was delighted by life and the people in it. If you asked how he was doing, his answer would invariably be, “Fantastic!” One of his favorite quotes was the “Optimist’s Creed,” printed on every box of Mayflower Donuts: “As you ramble on through life, brother, whatever be your goal, keep your eye upon the doughnut, and not upon the hole.” He was dedicated to growing his business, a lifelong love of golf, and keeping up with the latest technology. He was happiest when dancing with his beautiful wife, going out to dinners with wonderful friends, admiring the stars on a warm night, and spending as much time as possible with his kids and grandkids. Dick is predeceased by his youngest brother, David Bernstein, his brother-in-law Seymour Alter, and his sister-in-law Irene (Alter) Trezza. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Sonny, daughter Lori Meyerson (Douglas), son Robert Bernstein, granddaughter Abby Meyerson, and grandson Russell Meyerson. He also leaves his beloved brother, Mark Bernstein, sisters-in-law Arlene Bernstein (Mark), Patricia Bernstein (David), and Roberta Alter (Seymour), and brother-in-law Irving Alter, as well as nephews, nieces, and a multitude of friends he met and cherished along the way. His family is forever grateful to Melvin Brown, who was devoted to his comfort and care these last two years. Richard was a longstanding member of Beth El Temple, Tumblebrook Country Club, and Boca Grove Country Club.
A private interment will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at noon at the Beth El Cemetery in Avon, CT, followed by a service at 12:45 in the chapel at Beth El Temple at 2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford, CT. Charitable donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
