Eric Bernstein of Berkshire Furniture dies at age 55

SPRINGFIELD, N.J. — Eric Bernstein, the chief executive officer of one of New Jersey’s oldest family-owned furniture stores, died on July 25. He was 55.

The business, originally known as Bernstein Furniture, was started by Bernstein’s great-grandfather Solomon Bernstein in 1903 and later renamed Berkshire Furniture.

Eric joined his father, Lawrence, at the company in 1991. At a young age, he began making deliveries with the retailer’s delivery team and worked his way up to become president and CEO. He also served as president of the New Jersey/New York Furniture Association in 2017.

In addition, he received the Liveright Distinguished Service Award in 2010 from the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association.

“We take the time to get to know our customers and to build strong relationships,” said Bernstein when presented with the award. “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 was a remarkable man whose qualities shined through in everything he did, but one of his most outstanding traits was his big heart,” his obituary read. “He had a unique way of making everyone around him feel valued and cared for. His kindness and empathy were evident in how he supported his friends and family, always putting others’ needs before his own. Whether it was through a simple gesture or a grand act of generosity, he had a knack for making people feel special and loved.”

“In addition to his compassionate nature, he was incredibly handy,” the obituary continued. “There was nothing he could not fix or improve. His skills with tools and his resourcefulness were nothing short of impressive. From tackling home improvement projects to fixing unexpected problems, he approached every challenge with a positive attitude and a can-do spirit. His ability to turn a broken object or a difficult situation into something functional and beautiful was a testament to his ingenuity and perseverance.

“Together, his soft-hearted nature and handy skills made him not just a devoted partner, but an inspiration to everyone who knew him. His blend of compassion and competence created a warm, supportive environment wherever he went, which made him an invaluable part of our lives.”

Industry colleagues also shared thoughts of Bernstein with Home News Now.

“Eric loved spending time with his family,” said Tony Bellarosa, a close friend and executive director of GMFA. “He is survived by his father Lawrence, 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, Northeast district chairman of the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association. “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.”