Mr Donald Jordan Bernstein

Donald J. Bernstein, a longtime resident of Huntington, NY, and Stockbridge, MA, died peacefully at home on July 15, 2016 at the age of 88. Born on January 13, 1928 in Lowell, MA, son of Arthur and Minnie Bernstein, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, veteran, musician, educator, and friend. Don was known for his outgoing friendliness, sense of humor, and especially his love of music and playing his trumpets. Even at the age of 85, he was playing principal trumpet in three community orchestras. Don was a consummate musician who attended Juilliard and double majored in trumpet and voice at Boston University. He used his talent not only to perform but to teach the next generation. He had a 35-year public-school career as a band director at Little Plains and Thomas J. Lahey Elementary Schools in the Harborfields School District, Greenlawn, NY. His knowledge of brass and his hobby in recording gave him the opportunity to serve as a staff member of the Empire Brass Seminar at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute for over 20 years, where students from around the world came to study with members of the Empire Brass Quintet. Early in his career he cantored in Temples in West Newton, MA and Providence, RI; sang backup with Richard Tucker for eight years; conducted an army band during the Korean conflict; and played vaudeville shows with big bands in the late ‘40s. Don always enjoyed recounting his stint playing for The Three Stooges (Moe, Larry, and Shemp). He also had the privilege of playing in the 92nd Street Y orchestra in the ‘50s with Albert Einstein in the audience. For 20 years Don played trumpet in the Long Island Symphony. Another source of great pride for Don was playing taps at the Stockbridge Memorial Day parades for many years. Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Norman Bernstein. He is survived by his loving, caring wife of 54 years, Gayle; son, David Bernstein who lives in Santa Clara, CA with his wife Karen Taylor and daughter Isabelle; daughter, Karen Brouady who lives in Burlington, MA, with her husband Christopher and daughters Hannah and Amanda. Services were held on July 27th in Lenox and Stockbridge, MA, where Don and Gayle spent summers since 1970. Donations in Don’s memory may be made to HospiceCare in The Berkshires or the charity of your choice.

Mr Donald Jordan Bernstein

January 13, 1928 - July 15, 2016