Obituary of Bernard "Bernie" Weinstein
Bernie Weinstein, formerly of Monticello, NY, owner of the iconic restaurant Bernie’s Holiday in Rock Hill, passed away October 16, 2017 in Middletown on the 53rd anniversary of the opening of Bernie’s. He was surrounded by family sharing laughs and stories. Bernie, the son of the late Abraham and Anna Weinstein, was born on May 9, 1926 in Middle Village, New York.
At the age of 17 Bernie enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Pacific during WWII. After being honorably discharged Bernie moved to Lakewood, NJ where he met the love of his life Joy Allison while working at the Stanley Hotel. They became the quintessential Catskill restauranteurs and the beating heart of the restaurant that still bears his name. As a team, from Grossinger’s Hotel to Duke’s in Liberty and Monticello, among others, before landing firmly at Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant on October 16, 1964, Bernie and Joy’s career would take them all over Sullivan County and make them an institution with locals, visitors, and celebrity guests. There they would remain until retiring more than 50 years later to Florida, and eventually back home to the Catskills. Funny and loving, Bernie would entertain while catering to the many loyal customers who entered Bernie’s.
Bernie is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joy; son Jay Weinstein, daughter Jil (Alan) Madnick; grandchildren Jayson (Monica) Weinstein, Jared (Jennifer) Swift, Cori (Logan) Parsells, Benjamin Madnick, Sarah Madnick; great-grandchildren Charlotte and Emma Swift, Parker and Olivia Weinstein; sister Julia (Herb) Zack; sister-in-law Louise Weinstein, and their families. Along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bernie was pre-deceased by his brother Seymour Weinstein and daughter-in-law Shelley Weinstein.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 10:30AM at the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home, 388 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701.
The family will be sitting Shiva Wednesday and Thursday 4-7pm and Friday 3-6pm, 27 Colonial Drive, Goshen, NY 10940.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bernie’s name can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Fund and/or Disabled American Veterans (dav.org).
Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home - Monticello; to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com.
