Charles Sanford Bernstein

Charles (aka Chuck) Sanford Bernstein was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 14, 1923, to Barney and Rose Bernstein. Growing up in the city, he became an avid sprint runner winning several first place medals in all city tournaments. But, he wasn’t faster than Beverly Jane Levinson who caught him and married Chuck in 1945 upon his return home from serving in the Navy.

Shortly after graduating Austin High School in Chicago, World War II started, he enlisted in the Coast Gard and served in the Navy from 1942 to 1945. Charles saw combat action in the early part of the war in the South Pacific on an LST landing craft. Chuck retired in 1988 from the Commonwealth Edison Company Chicago where he served in various positions.

Chuck is survived by his daughter Renee Ginsberg, son-in-law David Ginsberg, grandchildren Paula Wheeler, Brad Ginsberg, five great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren. After enjoying 97 years, he will join his beloved wife, Beverly, in eternal sleep.

He’ll be fondly remembered by his grandchildren who writes the following remembrances:

“There are so many memories it is hard to choose just one. I would have to say every Saturday when he and grandma would come over. I would wait by that window for him to pull up with grandma, food and special treats. I use to grab him first thing after he put down the steaks and goodies and I would pull him downstairs to the basement where we had our tea parties. He always knew how to entertain me with my stuff animals and conversations of princesses and what went on during the week in my little life. We would do tea, I would teach him a lesson or two on my chalk board and we would also catch up on what my stuff animals had been up to. His contagious laugh would always make me laugh and feel happy and warm. We would be down there until dinner was called and then after the meal we all would be sitting down to watch Love Boat and the Muppets. I never wanted to say goodbye or go to bed.” Paula Wheeler

“Charles Bernstein was more than a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was the backbone of our family, a leader, and a WWII hero. Charles, also known as Chuckie to all the kids in the family, believed family comes first. He would always lend a helping hand. He believed in making people happy and enjoyed watching them have fun, whether playing with dinosaurs with his grandson or taking his family for a refreshing chocolate Frosty on a hot summer day. We will forever remember his love, devotion, dedication, and kindness. Our responsibility is to follow in his footsteps and carry on his legacy. It is up to us to teach the younger generation what Chuckie taught us that family is essential, and we should always be there for each other.” Brad Ginsberg