Gerald Bernstein, 85, of Jackson Township, passed away Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Allied Services Hospice, Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Gerald was born in Newark, New Jersey, on May 13, 1938, son of the late Leo and Ethel (Wilson) Bernstein. He graduated from Union High School, N.J., in 1956. Gerald attended Susquehanna University, where he also met his wife, Babetta Marie Hewitt. He received his B.S. in business administration in 1960, with a major in accounting. He was inducted into the Pi Gamma Mu National Social Science Honor Society.
Upon graduation, Gerald’s professional career began in Philadelphia, where he worked on the audit staff at Ernst & Whinney, CPAs, from 1960 to 1963, passing his CPA exam in May of 1963. Gerald moved to Northeastern Pennsylvania in 1963, where he began his private practice as a CPA until January 1977, at which time he merged his practice into the now-existing partnership of J.H. Williams and Co.
Gerald has been active in the community, a member of Irem Shriners, as well as professional activities, and has been a frequent lecturer on accounting and taxes. He is the past president of the Northeastern Chapter of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPA’s and a member of the AICPA and the PICPA.
Jerry, as everyone knew him, strived for success, perfection, and dedication at a very young age. He excelled in academics, as well as in sports, which earned him a full football scholarship while attending Susquehanna University. His steadfast characteristic was evident throughout his life. He had a strong demeanor, but he also had a softer side: Jerry loved making everyone laugh, by telling jokes and by his impromptu comedic acts. Jerry was also a cat lover. He adored both his Himalayan cat, Puffy, and his most recently adopted Balinese cat, Roxie. Not only Jerry was a great provider for his family, but he was also a loving and caring father, grandfather, and friend.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Babetta, whom he loved so dearly.
He will be sadly missed by his children: daughter, Babetta Wenner and her husband, Wilbur, Jackson Township, and their daughter, Winter Wenner, RN, Wichita, Kansas; son, Dr. Brent Bernstein and his wife, Michele, Allentown, and their children: Ethan Bernstein, Chicago, Illinois, and Emma Bernstein, Gettysburg; and son, Dr. Barry Bernstein, and his wife, Shareena, Lehman Township.