President of Berkshire Furniture, Eric Bernstein Passes

Furniture World News Desk on 7/26/2024

Eric Bernstein, President of Berkshire Furniture, passed away after battling cancer. He was 55 years old. 

Bernstein’s company, based in Springfield, NJ, is one of New Jersey’s oldest family-owned furniture stores. Originally named Bernstein Furniture, Eric’s great-grandfather Solomon Bernstein opened his first store in 1903. Eric Bernstein joined his father, Lawrence, at Berkshire Furniture in 1991.

At a very young age, he spent time making deliveries with Berkshire Furniture’s delivery team. Like many family furniture businesses, he started at the bottom and worked his way up.

“We take the time to get to know our customers and to build strong relationships,” said Bernstein when presented with the Liveright Distinguished Service Award in 2010 by the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association. “Our business dealings reflect this attitude. The thought of helping customers furnish their homes just once and then never having them return to buy again is not our practice at Berkshire Furniture. Our motto is ‘The best advertisement is a happy customer!'" 

“Eric loved spending time with his family,” said Tony Bellarosa, a close friend and executive director of GMFA. “He is survived by his father Laurence, Mother Judith, and sisters Sheryl and Karen. Also, his wonderful wife Mary-Eileen and three children, Megan, Jack and Kevin, who supported his ‘crazy hours’ running a furniture store."

“He is one of the nicest people I’ve ever known,” added Tommy Leflein, “Eric repaired furniture, delivered goods up and down the eastern seaboard, was always out on the sales floor and took care of advertising. He was never afraid to get his hands dirty. Eric’s popularity with his customers and the reps who called on him was legendary. He treated everyone with respect and was a huge source of inspiration to his family and friends.”

Bernstein was a former president of the GMFA, a  consummate professional and leader who shared his time and resources to help support the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation (DMCCF) and other charities. "He made time to listen and was a trusted friend to those in need," noted Harris Kirsch, GMFA's current president.

Memorial contributions may be made in Eric's name to the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation, checks payable to DMCCF, 10 Connel Drive West Orange NJ 07052 or Bosum Buddies of New Jersey; checks mailed to PO Box 405 Cranford NJ 07016.