Bernard Stahl

Bernard Stahl, 91, died peacefully on August 25th during a brief hospital stay in Peabody, MA. Born March 11, 1921 in Washington, DC, the older son of Jacob and Augusta Stahl. He leaves behind his loving, devoted wife of 64 years, Hortense (nee Lei ner) and daughter Shelley Stahl (Marblehead, MA), son Larry Stahl (Irvine, CA) and son and daughter-in-law Michael and Wendy Stahl (Montclair, NJ). He also leaves behind Shelley’s children Alyssa and Emma Charney and Michael and Wendy’s children Jason and Rebecca Stahl. He is also survived by his brother Seymour of Boynton Beach, FL

After attending DeWitt Clinton High School, Bernard enrolled at The University of Miami and studied biology. He then attended Temple University School of Dentistry, graduating in 1949. He married the love of his life, Hortense, in Laurelton, NY on March 21, 1948. Settling on Long Island, Bernie established his dental practice in Bethpage, NY, retiring in 1979. Bernie and Horty spend most of their retirement years in Lake Worth, FL before moving to Massachusetts this year to be closer to family.

While in college, Bernie developed a love for sailing that he held fast to for the rest of his life. With his wife, Horty, they spent many summers cruising the northeastern US. Upon retirement, Bernie and Horty took up the boating life in earnest and spent several years living aboard their boat and sailing along the entire eastern seaboard and the Bahamas.

Music was a big part of Bernie’s life. He always had a song at the ready and his Gibson Mandolin or harmonica at his side and he loved regaling friends and family with the music he would play by ear. He also took an avid interest in drawing and photography. He shared his talents generously, passing along his interests and skills to his children and grandchildren.

Bernard served as a Captain in the Air Force reserves from 1953 to 1955. Burial is scheduled for August 27th at the VA Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts.