Thomas Arnold Bernstein, 55, of Sebastian, passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2011, in Sebastian. He was born in NYC, NY on October 8, 1955, and moved to Sebastian four years ago from Port Jefferson Station, NY. He worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller, retiring after 23 years. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Janet M. Bernstein of Sebastian, 4 sons Thomas Bernstein of Port Jefferson Station, NY, James Bernstein of Sebastian, Christopher Bernstein of Sebastian, and William Bernstein of Sebastian, a brother Frank Bernstein of Lewes, MD, two sisters Lorraine Westburgh of Winter Haven, Fl, and Cynthia Murphy of Port St. Joe, FL. Thomas was predeceased by his parents Frank and Fanny Bernstein, and brother Ronald Bernstein.
When his four sons were younger, Tom was actively involved in various levels of baseball as his sons matured through the leagues. He served as a board member, League President, coach, and head of the umpires. Tom was an avid sports enthusiast. When he wasn't personally playing, he was watching and cheering from his recliner. Tom's biggest passions were fishing and golfing. He spent his retirement years relaxing by his pool reading various books about history and biographies....when he wasn't out golfing. Tom loved the water; taking his boat out on the Atlantic, catching striped bass, mahi, sailfish, bluefish, and even sharks that were relished by his family. One of the boys would often accompany him on these trips. He fulfilled one of his dreams by taking a five day adventure with son, Billy, transporting his boat from New York to Florida stopping at various ports along the way.
Janet and Tom loved their travels together. They often took trips with friends and went to places like Jamaica, Tahiti, Hawaii, (where they tied the knot), Italy, Cancun, Phoenix, and a cruise to the Bahamas.
Having good friends was always important. Their large group of friends did many things together - Father and Children camping trips, weekends at Silver Point Beach Club in Atlantic Beach, NY and vacationing on the coast of North Carolina. When you think of Tom, you can't help but picture him in shorts, a Hawaiian print shirt and one of his many baseball caps with Jimmy Buffet playing in the background....and Tom singing loudly and enthusiastically off key.
We'd welcome your stories about Tom and messages for the family here.
Memorial donations can be made to either the American Heart Association, or the American Diabetes Association.
Arrangements are under the direction of Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Sebastian, FL.
Condolences may be sent to www.seawindsfh.com/obituaries.php