Robert Bernson

Robert S. Bernson, of Needham, MA, passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2025, at the age of 91.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Beverly; his children, Peter, Ted and Julie; their spouses, Kim, Gergana and Sergio; his four cherished grandchildren, Emily, Claire, Jared and Axel; his two step-grandsons, Emile and Giovanni; and his brother-and sister-in-law, Skip and Lorraine.

Born in Boston, MA on July 18, 1933, to the late Theodore and Marcia Adelson Bernson, Bob spent most of his life in the greater Newton area. After graduating from Lawrence Academy in 1951 and Bowdoin College in 1955, he served in the U.S. Army for two years. In 1957, he joined his father to help run the family business, Alewife Motors. Following his father’s passing in 1960, Bob took over the business and led it successfully for the next 35 years.

Bob truly defined what it means to be a people person. As he traveled the country and the world with Beverly and friends, he left lasting impressions on everyone who was lucky enough to cross his path. His infectious laugh, sharp wit, irresistible charm, and unique attention to detail are just a few of his qualities that will be fondly remembered.

Bob took immense pride in his “smart and good-looking” family, each of whom has been shaped by his unwavering commitment to doing things the “Bernson way.” Whether perfecting his two-handed backhand, curating movie and TV recommendations for loved ones, tracking the stock market, or ensuring everyone drove clean white cars, Bob brought care and conviction to everything he did.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the chapel at Sharon Memorial Park in Sharon, MA, on Friday, July 18, at 10 AM with burial to immediately follow. A gathering will then follow from 2-5 PM at Wellspring Landing at North Hill Retirement Community in Needham, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to two of the many nonprofit organizations he and Beverly supported over the years: the New Art Center in Newton, MA at www.newartcenter.org/donate and Gateway Arts Studio in Brookline, MA at www.gatewayarts.org/donate .