Steven Allen Bernstein

Steven Allen Bernstein, M.D., 82, passed peacefully at his home in Fort Myers, FL on February 24, 2025, after a courageous 10-month battle with metastatic lung cancer, despite being a non-smoker. He was born November 28, 1942, in Brooklyn New York to parents Muriel and Eugene Bernstein.

After graduating from the University of Miami at age 19, he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine and from 1968-70 served in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Major. In 1973, Steve and his former wife, Ellen Sayet, M.D., moved to Fort Myers, where they established a private medical practice. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Steve subsequently worked for the Veterans Administration and spent nearly 20 years treating patients at Lee Convenient Care. Also, he was an early advocate of telemedicine, which he practiced until two weeks before his death.

A life-long learner, Steve was a voracious reader with a curious, analytical mind and a quick wit. He was also a respected competitor at local and regional IPSC handgun-shooting matches. Besides hosting legendary Derby parties to benefit the Harry Chapin Food Bank, he was a long-time supporter of the Animal Refuge Center (ARC). His kindness and generosity extended to the numerous cats and dogs he adopted that have no doubt awaited him at the Rainbow Bridge.

Steve is survived by his wife of 25 years, Elizabeth Pearce, sister Linda Schenker and nephew Adam Schenker of Tampa, FL, Ellen Sayet, MD (Dennis Hutchinson) of Fort Myers, FL, and the countless friends, colleagues and patients whose lives he touched.

No service is planned, but there will be a visitation on Monday, March 24th from 5-7pm at Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home, 9231 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers.