Dean Orville Bernstein

Dean Orville Bernstein, 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at Oakdale Rehabilitation Center.

He was born in Durbin, North Dakota on March 12, 1923 a son of the late John and Susan (Robbins) Bernstein. He grew up during the Great Depression where he learned the value of hard work and generosity to those with less. He went on to proudly serve his country during World War II in the United States Coast Guard, enlisting the day after Pearl Harbor. Assigned in the South Pacific, he worked to set up and operate mobile long range navigation systems - LORAN- on various islands. Dean attended the University of California-Berkley, on the GI Bill, where he earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked as an engineer for many years at General Electric, and in Quality Assurance at ITT Surprenant until his retirement in 1987.

Mr. Bernstein was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in West Boylston. In his spare time he enjoyed wood and leather carving, woodworking, clock-making, bird watching, fishing and hunting. He made many trips back to his childhood home state of North Dakota to hunt and fish with family members. Dean was an avid reader, and also a former officer at the Frohsinn Club in Shrewsbury. In retirement, he participated in a student penpal program with the West Boylston Jr./Sr. High School. Mr. Bernstein was very active in the Central Massachsuetts Caricature Carvers Club, helping them to earn the title 'World Champions' in 1999. He also taught wood carving at the West Boylston Senior Center for many years.

He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Karen (Sisto) Bernstein; his children Scott Bernstein and his wife, Mary of Brimfield, Jody Bernstein of Clearwater, FL., Lynn Bernstein and her husband, Donald Leatherwood, of Catonsville, MD; three grandchildren, Rowan and Esau Bernstein and Travis Leatherwood; two nephews and a niece.

The family would like to thank the very loving and caring staff at the Oakdale Rehab and Skilled Nursing Center in West Boylston, especially Karen, Marlene, Towana, and Tina. Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Dean to the charity of their choice.

Family and friends are invited to honor, celebrate and remember Dean's life on Tuesday, August 14th from 10:00am until 11:00am at the Fay Brothers Funeral Home, 1 West Boylston St., West Boylston. A funeral service will be held at 11:00am in the funeral home.