Jerry Bornstein

Jerry Bornstein of Marblehead peacefully entered into rest on October 15, 2024 at the age of 98. He was born and raised in Malden, MA, by his late parents, Harry B. Bornstein and Mary (Waldorf) Bornstein. He was the devoted husband of the late Blossom (Safer) Bornstein for 57 years, and they shared an amazing life together, full of love and laughter, until her passing in 2011.

Jerry was a loving dad/daddy to Ronda, Lisa Wayne, and Susan. He was adored as gramps/grandpa by Anya, Milan, and Jonah, and was a caring brother-in-law to Helena S. Book. Uncle Jerry to Michael, Richie, Stacy, Marisa, Jordan, Jonathan, Corey, Emmett, David, Pam, Joshua, Jared, Noah, and Jacob.

Jerry was a family man and a proud Jewish man. Nothing was more important to him than spending time with his family. He eagerly looked forward to all the family gatherings, relishing each moment with his loved ones, although his favorite gathering was Thanksgiving when the entire family was present—a tradition that will continue.

Jerry found immense joy in his role as a grandfather to Anya, Milan, and Jonah. He loved watching them play soccer, graduate high school and college, and embark on their careers. He was incredibly proud of them.

He was always ready with a “hello, how are you?” a wave or a salute and had a smile that lit up a room. He held doors for others and was a loyal friend to all he met. A fair and honest man from the best generation, where a handshake truly meant something to him—a true gentleman.

He was a World War II veteran who joined the Navy in 1944 and served as a hospital corpsman attached to a Marine Corps unit until 1946.

Jerry worked alongside his father in the family business, Pearl Brand Meat Packing Co., until his father’s passing in 1979 and continued working there until the business was sold in 1987. Pearl Brand was known for the Kountry Klub Franks (not hotdogs), which he believed were the best.

Jerry’s life was an active one. He woke up each day with a smile and an earnest love for life, appreciating the world around him. He enjoyed walking at Kings and Fisherman Beach, was an avid golfer, a great bowler, loved playing cards, and enjoyed trips to the casino. Sports enthusiast watched golf loved the Patriots and Red Sox. The J was Jerry’s second home; he embraced the community spirit there, enjoying his daily visits to the Mens Health Club for camaraderie, games of gin with friends, and plenty of conversation and laughter. Most importantly, he loved his daily schvitz and shower. He also so enjoyed having Wayne join him on Sundays to share something he loved.

In 2017, at the MHC, Jerry learned that the J was planning a trip to Israel in April 2018. Israel was always the homeland he wanted to visit, and at 91 years old, he made the journey with his daughter, Lisa. They created memories to share forever—a trip of a lifetime, dancing in Jerusalem, praying at the Wailing Wall, swimming in the Dead Sea, and taking a camel ride that was a dream come true for him.

Two years ago, when the pickleball craze hit, Jerry enjoyed watching his daughters and their Pickleball family play, which also provided him the opportunity to talk and meet new friends.

Finally, as Jerry would say, “Keep smiling and enjoy life.”

The family had a private graveside service with Military Honors on Sunday, October 20,2024. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made in Jerry’s name to the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore (JCCNS), 4 Community Road, Marblehead, MA 01945.