IRL DAVID BERNSTEIN (EARL BERNS)

1941-2017

Irl David Bernstein (Earl Berns) died Thursday, May 18, 2017 at Belmont Village Senior Living.

He leaves his wife of 54 years, Marsha Bernstein, his daughters, Melissa Bernstein Rosenberg and Alaine Bernstein, as well as his sisters, Bonnie Herst and Jackie Moore. He also leaves his Sister-in-Law, Judy Hess, as well as 5 special Nieces, 3 Great Nieces and 3 Great Nephews, plus many friends all over the world.

Irl was born and raised in Houston, the son of Arthur Bernstein and Lillian Greenfield Horovitz and was a lifelong resident. Irl had a keen wit and a wonderful sense of humor. He made anyone who met him feel better after they left him. He was always there to lend a helping hand if needed.

Immediately upon graduating high school, Irl served in the U.S. Army and 2 years later he married, Marsha Pearlman and began working @ Finger Furniture, all while attending University of Houston. His career started at Fingers by unloading boxcars and eventually he worked himself up to salesman, buyer and then General Merchandise Manager under the late S.P. Finger. Irl became his protégé.

During that time he was President of the Retail Furniture Association. He also served on many design meetings for Bernhardt, Broyhill, Lane, and Ashley Furniture. After 18 years there, Irl and Marsha opened Berns Furniture Warehouse where they stored and unloaded furniture for many of the local furniture stores. In 1983 they closed the warehouse and Irl became a rep for several factories. Then Marsha joined him and they traveled the world together to different markets and vacation spots.

Irl was with Ashley Furniture for 27 years first as a rep and then as President of one of the divisions. During that time he was named Salesman of the Year several times and later was instrumental in opening the Ashley Home Stores all across the U.S.

Irl was an avid fisherman and loved to go on his boat with his friends; or go to Canada, Alaska or Belize with his buddies; but mostly he loved his work and his girls and he was very proud of them. Whether he was selling on the road, or a buyer listening to a sales pitch, he never turned anyone away. No one was more important than anyone else. He had a keen eye for merchandising and ad layouts. He was a lifetime member of Beth Yeshurun with roots since its founding. He served as an usher for the High Holidays for many years until he could not.

He left an impact on everyone he met, and he will be deeply missed.

The family would like to thank the staff @ Amazing Place, Belmont Village Hunters Creek and Elderly Care of Texas.

Funeral service will be held at 2:30, Monday, May 22 at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, Freedman-Levit Sanctuary, 4525 Beechnut, Houston.

Graveside service to follow at Beth Yeshurun Cemetery Post Oak officiated by Rabbi Jack Segal and Cantor Mier Finklestein.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Houston Area Parkinsons or Congregation Beth Yeshurun.