Galloway, N.J. – Howard J. Bernstein, 93, passed away on January 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his parents, Ida and Benjamin Bernstein, and his sister, Selma Shefferman.
Howard is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, his high school sweetheart, with whom he shared a wonderful life and a marriage of over 72 years. He is also survived by his daughter, Caren Bernstein, his son, Dr. Robert Bernstein (Lisa Ehrich), his five grandchildren, Matthew Appelbaum, Laura Appelbaum, Allison Bernstein (Andy Garin), Emily Bernstein (Alex Broad), and Jill Bernstein (Mickey Borgenicht), and his five great-grandchildren, Zoey and Zack Garin, Miles and Ren Broad, and Quinn Borgenicht. In addition, Howard is survived by his brother-in-law, Dr. Eugene Myers, and by loving nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews, all of whom spent many happy hours in Margate, N.J. enjoying summer Cousins’ Camp, Shirley’s amazing food, and Howard’s humor, counsel, and barbecue skills.
Howard was born on October 19, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pa. He was raised from an early age in Atlantic City, N.J. He graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1950, and from Temple University with a B.S. in accounting in 1954. Howard served with the U.S. Army, 1954-57, in Germany. Howard was a partner in the accounting firm of Marshak, Kalter, and Bernstein, which became Bernstein, Cohen, Simpson, Gilbert, and Horowitz.
He was active in many local and state community activities, including serving as president of the Atlantic Cape May Chapter of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, and on the State Society’s board of trustees and ethics committee. Howard was also president and chair of the board of the Seashore Gardens Living Center and served on the board of trustees for 50 years. At the time of his death, Howard remained active as a member of the Mosaic Foundation, which enriches senior living. Howard served on the board of trustees of Beth El Synagogue for 40 years, and as treasurer for two terms. He was also a president of the Jewish Community Center in Margate, N.J., and was a member of the board of trustees of the Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties. He served on the Federation Foundation board, as well. He was a member of the board of Margate Terrace, dedicated to affordable housing for seniors, and served as both secretary and treasurer of the board.
For his lifetime of service and dedication to the accounting and Jewish communities, Howard was presented with the Distinguished Service Award by the Atlantic Cape May Chapter of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, and with the National Trustee Award by the National Association of Jewish Aging Services, and with the Cassman Award for Leadership by the Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties.
Howard’s favorite activity, other than spending time with his family, was golfing. He was a treasurer of the Linwood County Club, and no matter the weather, even during tax season, Howard could be found on the Linwood golf course playing with his favorite foursomes.
A private burial was held. A Celebration of Life honoring Howard’s life and legacy was held at Beth El Synagogue in Margate. The family requests donations to Mosaic Foundation, P.O. Box 352, Absecon, N.J. 08201, or the charity of the donor’s choice.