Bernard Harold Katz

August 7,1936 – April 20, 2021

We mourn the loss of Bernard (Bernie) Katz, beloved husband, father and grandfather, who died peacefully at the age of 84 years old on April 20th having lived life to the fullest. Born in New York City to Isabel and Phillip Katz, he is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Gail, children Lori Henry (Scott), Brian Katz (Jill), and his grandchildren Allison Henry, Joshua Katz, Jessica Katz and Amanda Henry.

Bernie received his B.S. degree from Temple University, where he played varsity tennis and basketball. He went on to earn his DMD degree from Fairleigh Dickenson University and practiced dentistry in Sarasota for 40 years. Bernie met his soulmate, Gail Ness, in 1959 while he studied dentistry and she studied dental hygiene. They married in Brooklyn, NY on July 29, 1961.

In 1961, Bernie became a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, LA. After settling in Sarasota, Bernie became President of Temple Beth Sholom, a member of the boards of the Jewish Community Center and Goodwill Industries. He always had time to coach his children in any sport in which they were interested. Bernie was known for his wonderful sense of humor, compassion and generosity. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis and bridge, and had a passion for traveling all over the world with his wife and family. His dexterity and creativity in dentistry led him later in life to spend time on new passions of sculpting and jewelry making.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be graveside at Temple Beth Sholom Cemetery at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, April 25. For donations in Bernie’s memory, please consider Tidewell Hospice, Moffitt Cancer Center of Florida or Temple Beth Sholom.