Ira Bernstein

Ira M. Bernstein Jr., born on August 27, 1937, passed away on September 22, 2023. He was a loving and devoted father, son, and husband. Ira, an only child, was predeceased by his father, Ira M. Bernstein Sr., mother Hortense Dorothy Bernstein, and his children Robert Henry Bernstein and Dorothy Hortense Broquadio. He is predeceased by his one true love, Carmen Bernstein. He is survived by his children Anna Luckett, Gloria Sannolo (John), and Laura Lee Morales (Joseph), as well as his grandchildren Anita, Katrina, Tara (Chris), Steven, Gabriel, Nicholas, Lauren, Angela, Helene, Jamie, Lamia, Sarah, Joseph, and Brandon, and his 10 great-grandchildren.

Ira, was born and raised on Manhattan’s Upper West Side on 88th Street and Broadway. He graduated from Humanities High School in 1955 and served as an FDNY Auxiliary Firefighter before joining the United States Navy in 1956 as a Fire Controlman and Machinist Mate. During his active duty, he served aboard the USS Talbot, LST 1153, at the Commandment Third Naval District.

Ira, a returning military serviceman, had plans to propose to his girlfriend upon his arrival. One day, while on his way to his girlfriends home he decided to walk to the 42nd Street Port Authority's Bus Terminal from his home on Broadway. On that journey, he encountered a captivating young woman sitting on the stoops of a brownstone in the area where Alice Tully Hall stands today. This chance encounter marked the beginning of a significant chapter in Ira's life. He married Carmen, the love of his life - a love that never extinguished. Together, they raised six children: Louis, Anna, Dorothy, Robert, Gloria, and Laura.

Ira had a fulfilling career managing Symphony Wine & Liquors before transitioning to a long-time role as a Doorman/Concierge and maintenance personnel for Ashford Arms and Kipling Arms in NYC's Upper West Side until his retirement in 2006. He was known for his infectious smile, warmth, and generosity. He had a tradition of remembering all those in his daily life during the holidays-the doormen and maintenance personnel, bank staff, and supermarket employees. Ira, well-liked by everyone, could roll with the local liquor pals as equally as with the neighborhood police.

One of Ira's favorite pastimes was listening to FDNY and NYPD radio scanners, making him incredibly knowledgeable about New York City, and that he was. He cared deeply about people and was a lifelong Red Cross blood donor, known for his special "Babies blood." Ira lived a simple life, yet his generosity knew no bounds. His grace was matched by his humor, often joking that God broke the mold when he made him. Those who knew Ira will always remember him as a genuine one-of-a-kind rare individual, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have been a part of his life.