Obituary of Michael A. Bernstein

Michael Alan Bernstein, 60, died Monday, March 4th, at Jupiter Medical Center Pavilion in Jupiter, FL, after a long illness. He was born July 28, 1958, in Amsterdam, NY, the son of Robert L. and Evelyn (Getman) Bernstein, formerly of Nelliston and Canajoharie, N.Y. Michael graduated from Fort Plain Central School in 1976. 

Michael served as a SSGT in the U.S. Air Force from 1978 thru 1982, as an Avionic Navigation, Instrumentation and Communication Specialist, and was stationed at Griffiss A.F.B., in Rome, NY., receiving an honorable discharge. He was recognized as an Airman of the Year in 1981 for the 49th F.I.S.

Michael was always on a creative adventure, his various employments being in the Retail and Business Administration & Management fields, specializing in visual displays. Michael worked for the Palm Beach Golf Center for over 15 years. For years, he owned his own visual merchandising business specializing in golf and tennis trade shows across Florida. He was also the administrator of the Palm Edge Assisted Living Facility in Riviera Beach, FL, and a merchandising manager for Walgreens.

Michael enjoyed boating and the beaches in his early days in Florida. He was an avid  NASCAR fan for many years, and attended many races to watch his favorite driver, Matt Kenseth. He thoroughly enjoyed genealogy and the history of the Mohawk Valley. Michael loved to write a quick poem and he penned the poem, “Ode To Fort Plain”. His greatest enjoyment came when he was challenged to design, create and build something out of nothing. He also loved helping people in any way that he could, but most of all, he loved his family and friends, where his sense of humor often got him into trouble.

Michael, and a few others, created the neighborhood Facebook group, known as The Fort Plain Stoners, nearly 5 years ago,  which has now grown to over 3.600 neighborhood members. His main goal was to the bring the community back together again, if only thru virtual reality, and to honor the town that he grew up in.

Michael is survived by his wife of 32 years, Trisha K. (Welch) Bernstein, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, whom he married on October 25, 1986, aboard the Empress of the Palm Beaches, Riviera Beach, FL. He is also survived by his two best accomplishments; his daughter, Ashlee N., and her husband, Gary Turczyn, and their daughter, Ava; of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and his son, Branden M. Bernstein, and his wife, Bianca, as well as their sons, Brycen and Benjamin Bernstein of Royal Palm Beach, FL.  He is also survived by his mother, Evelyn A. (Getman) Bernstein, Stuart, FL, his sisters: Nona J., and her husband, Keith Varnadore, of Palm City, FL.; and Terre L. Gifford, Stuart, FL and her daughter, Madison Gifford. He is also survived by his aunts, Barbara Fassett, Cherry Valley, NY., and Francis Bernstein, Hyattsville, MD, as well as many cousins. Michael is also the son-in-law of Bill and Charlene Welch, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

Michael was predeceased by his father, Robert L. Bernstein; his paternal grandparents, Clarence A. Bernstein and Madelyn (Herron) Bernstein Azer; his maternal grandparents, Carl and Alwilda (Monk) Getman; and a special aunt, Gwendolyn Getman.

As per Michael's request, there will no formal services. Burial will take place in the Fort Plain Cemetery at a later date.

Instead of flowers for a service and in tribute to Michael, the Fort Plain Activities Council will place a dedication in Haslett Park.  A Go Fund Me page was established by the Bernstein family to collect donations for this effort.  Please see the Facebook page (https://www.gofundme.com/michael-bernstein-memorial-fund?fbclid=IwAR3exX4c-ymS4QIFjObbk5kKxEgdv4Zi5S37tiBHcnRTsS6vgR4Nwdu9Jag) for clarification of how all contributions will be handled.  Checks can also be sent directly to the village (payable to Village of Fort Plain) at 168 Canal St., Fort Plain, NY 13339.  PLEASE designate for the Mike Bernstein Stoners Memorial Fund.