George H. Bernstein, Sr.
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George Hutzler Bernstein, Sr., of Naples, Florida, formerly of Portland, Maine, and Baltimore, passed away on January 25, 2022, at age 84.
George's loving survivors are his wife, Patricia and her children (Gen and Nick); his daughter, Amy Bernstein; son, George Bernstein (Julie); grandchildren, Eric Weisberg, Allison Mere (Benjamin) and AJ Bernstein; brother, Frank Bernstein (Carol); sister, Ann Guralnick (Leonard); as well as many cousins and his best friend, David Hutzler (Harriet).
George was a proud graduate of the McDonough School in Baltimore, Dickinson College, and the Johns Hopkins University, where he earned an MBA. He began his career as an executive at the Hutzler Brothers department store in Baltimore, then followed his entrepreneurial spirit to Maine, where he owned and operated multiple businesses, and then worked as an auditor for the state. In 2005, George and Patricia moved to Florida, with George kicking and screaming, but he soon discovered that sitting in the sun was less taxing than shoveling snow.George lived a full life and had a hearty appetite for travel, bridge, vanilla ice cream, and his daughter Amy's crab cakes. George was a railroad enthusiast -- in reality a train fanatic. He enjoyed looking at trains, talking about trains, taking multiple trips to train museums (despite his grandchildren's exasperation), reading about trains, traveling cross-country on trains, even taking the wrong train to the right destination. His favorite fellow train fanatic was Lawrence Biemiller.
George's happy place was Rangeley Lake, Maine, where he spent time every summer, enjoying the lake, the mountains, and the birch trees. His ashes will spend eternity in Rangeley at his grandparents' home, Camp Windsor Hill, where he will also watch over his children and make certain that they understand the rules of Cribbage and "Sittin' Behind It."
In retirement, George discovered his love for bridge, joining the Bridge Deck bridge club, where he made numerous friends. He always had a wicked good sense of humor and delighted in paying his bridge dues with $2 bills, much to the chagrin of the club directors who had to count the money. He was proud to achieve his Gold Life Master status. His favorite playing partner was Rusty (101 years young), whom he mischievously called "mother" at the bridge table, confounding the opposition.
Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, George in his last days charmed all those around him with his booming voice and jovial sense of humor. His surgery was successful, but his big heart ultimately gave out. Having a rare blood type, he was proud of donating over 25 gallons to the Red Cross over his lifetime.
A celebration of George's life will be held at some point in the future, possibly at a bridge event.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Conservancy of Southwest Florida; 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, FL 34102.
Neptune Society, Fort Myers is entrusted with final care.