Bernard "Bernie" Jack Lurye

Bernard (“Bernie”) Jack Lurye, who passed away on December 17, 2020, was born on March 17, 1933 in Chicago, but grew up in Brooklyn, New York. There, he met and married his life partner, Harriet Brenner Lurye, who he wooed by taking her to Brooklyn Dodgers games.

Bernie was passionate not just about Harriet, but everything he threw himself into, enjoying the challenge of learning and doing something new. At various times in his life, he became dedicated to golf, fishing (including ice fishing), hunting, camping, running, cycling, motorcycling (touring the country), photography and music, particularly jazz. He was an avid reader, intrigued most by history and biographies of historical figures. Bernie was also an excellent cook, particularly of Italian food, which he enjoyed preparing for family and friends without hesitation and on short notice. Bernie was also a connoisseur of Chinese food.

Bernie was a veteran of the Korean War, was a member of the Jewish War Veterans and was active in the Bonita Springs chapter of the American Legion, where he served for a time as historian. Bernie was thrilled to be selected to participate in the Collier County Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in June 2015.

Bernie was also dedicated to the cause of social and economic justice for working families. Following in the footsteps of his father Willie, grandfather Max, and his aunt Min Lurye Matheson, he became an organizer and later business agent and regional manager in Western Pennsylvania for the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union.

Bernie was also a long-time member of the Community Free Synagogue in Fort Myers. He greatly enjoyed Torah studies, and the fellowship of that congregation.

Bernie is survived by his brother Richard and his wife Rosalyn of Brooklyn, New York; his children Bill and his spouse Judith Kaufman of Takoma Park, Maryland; Fonda Lurye of West Palm Beach, Florida; Michelle Northrup and her spouse Jan of Bonita Springs; and Robert Lurye and his partner Elliot Law of Los Angeles California, and six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in passing by his wife, Harriet and his brothers Lenny and Edward Lurye.

Funeral services will be private due to COVID-19. The family asks that donations be made in Bernie’s memory to the Community Free Synagogue.