I just this morning heard of the passing of my Uncle Bernie.  To call it sadness doesn't do the feelings justice.  My sincerest condolences to Aunt Betty, Janet, Helene and Marj.  

For the first half of my life, Bernie Wachtel was there.  He and his family were my family too.  Marjory and I were like siblings for the first 20 plus years of our lives.  Some of my greatest memories in life involve this family. 

Memories like driving through Long Island, just the kids in the car, with Helene driving, singing Barry Manilow tunes at the top of our lungs.  When I hear those songs, that's the memory that comes up.  

Thanksgivings were always spent together, every year for decades.  Trips to Long Island, and then Rockford were a normal part of the holidays.  As we all got older, and our own lives, we somehow let that tradition stop.  Things change, but not all things are better with change. 

There was the summer of "Grease".  Marj and I must have watched that movie in the theaters at least two dozen times that summer.  (at least it feels like that many).  We loved that movie, and it is still one of my all time favorites.  

My first wedding anniversary was a trip to Rockford with the entire family to visit Bernie, Betty & Marj.  Family, even the extended one, was important.  

Time and distance have allowed us to drift apart,  I wish that weren't so.  

It is said that it is the memories that keep our loved ones with us, even after they pass.  I have a ton of those.  Thanks Uncle Bernie for helping to create them, and for being an important part of my life.  I will miss you.  

All my love to the family.  I hope to be able to re-connect again soon, and share these memories in person.  

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Betty Wachtel

Janet Wachtel

Marjory Pergament

Helene Hartman

Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Chapel

Bernard Wachtel

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Bernard Wachtel

May 14, 1927 – March 16, 2018

Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Chapel

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