Dr. Bernard Schneider

Dr. Bernard Schneider of Berwyn, PA passed on October 19, 2024. 

He was the beloved husband of Marjorie (nee Scher); loving father of Jill Schneider (the late Joel Bertram Pevar z"l), Susan Schneider, Barbara Schneider, and Kenneth Schneider; adoring grandfather of Sara Lynn Pevar (Devin Lee McGinty), Michael Scott Pevar (Alexandra Erin Pevar), Matthew Taylor Starr and great-grandfather of Calvin Joel Pevar and Sophie Sloane Pevar; and the devoted brother of Charlotte Salkin, the late Norman Schneider z"l, late Irving Schneider z"l, and late Irene Taffel z"l. 

Perhaps his life is best summed by the eulogy delivered by his son Kenneth:

There are many things to be said about death and the grief that follows, but today, I would like to focus on life. The life of a man who lived 95 incredible years. A son and brother. A husband. A father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A physician, teacher, leader, and friend. A person of deep intellect and unwavering integrity: Dr. Bernard Schneider. 

It is apt to say my father’s life was lived to the fullest. To Bernie, as Dad preferred to be called, what a true gift this was. As a child of immigrant parents fleeing persecution and the progeny of a renowned lineage of spiritual leaders, he embodied vital attributes of service and compassion for others.

His vast achievements surpass what any one tribute can recount. He was a track star and an honor student, an officer in the United States Army at a critical time of war, and an influential medical student, physician, and professor. He worked on groundbreaking advancements in the field of ophthalmology with the renowned Harold Scheie, opened the first ophthalmology practice in South Philadelphia, and instituted eye care initiatives throughout his community. He served as the Chairman of the Departments of Ophthalmology at two major medical centers for over three decades. He was elected President of the Medical Staff at Methodist Hospital and was honored with its highest award, the Norris Award for outstanding service. Dr. Schneider’s commitment to the care of his community earned him the rank of Knight Commander of Goodness with the Knights of Columbus and, as the son of a rabbi, he was blessed by the Pope himself.

My father’s love for the arts and humanities balanced his professional life in the sciences. He loved classical music and photography, espoused all aspects of our mother’s infatuation with painting and the fine arts, and was both a voracious reader and an avid traveler, visiting all seven continents.

But family, above all, was at the core of Dad’s identity and purpose. He and his brothers, Norman and Irving, embodied their parents’ spirit of service and sacrifice. His brothers served in the U.S. military during World War II, one making the ultimate sacrifice for his country in Europe and the other earning a Purple Heart in Asia. He would follow in their tradition as a U.S. Army officer maneuvering opposite the Soviets during the ensuing existential conflict of superpowers that was to follow.

In 1952, Bernard married Marjorie Scher, a like-minded humanitarian from the same roots in both the old world and the new, and they formed a union lasting over seventy years. Bernard and Marjorie, or Bernie and Marge as they preferred to be called, had four children: Jill, Susan, Barbara, and myself, Kenneth. The four of us would go on to provide (so far) three grandchildren, Sarah Lynn, Michael Scott, and Matthew Taylor, who would then provide (so far) two great-grandchildren, Calvin Joel and Sophie Sloane.

My father cherished his time with us above all, and we with him. Passover seders and long walks to synagogue during the High Holy Days were special times for him to talk with us, lead us by example, and connect us with our heritage. Family trips to places like Hawaii and Spain gave us special, enduring memories—and for as long as they could, my parents shared that adventurous tradition with their grandchildren, too. I’m sure that Sara and Michael will always hold in their minds and hearts their incredible trip to the Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest with our parents, just as we have for our trips before them.

Having been a star athlete (one of the fastest men in the world at the time), my father was a diehard sports fan and instilled in us the same appreciation. Growing up, his love of his hometown team and now, today, World Series Champion Brooklyn Dodgers represented a commitment to community, fairness, and standing up for the underprivileged. He became a passionate Philadelphia Flyers supporter even before the team played their first game. The Flyers showed what could be achieved with soul and resilience, and thanks to 25 years of season tickets, Dad made sure we were there to experience it all, including their two historic Stanley Cup wins and everything that went into them. The now National Champion Michigan Wolverines were another of his great loves and commitments, a tribute to excellence and integrity. Two of his children graduated from the “U of M,” and, in his final months, my father witnessed our Wolverines complete a perfect season culminating in an also historic national championship under a coach who had befriended his son while quarterback there decades earlier. A later passion, Chelsea Football held particularly deep meaning for him, as I had played a role in them finally becoming Premier League Champions, Champions League Champions, and Club World Cup Champions in the most revered sport of all. From that point on, every game was for him a reminder and symbol of my journey and his belief in me and in what each of his children could achieve in this world. My father’s love of sports was a crucial expression of his faith in humanity, an opportunity to share his values, and an essential part of his legacy.

From his tenderness to his grit, his humility to his humanity, Dr. Bernie Schneider was truly one-of-a-kind. He treated his family, friends, and patients with dignity, empathy, and compassion. He was generous with his time and care, including among the local senior communities—especially Surrey Senior Services around the corner from here, where it was the highlight of his day to take lunch with his friends. His bright and infectious smile made others want to approach him to say hello and shake his hand. He believed in the potential for goodness and greatness in us all, embraced every aspect of living the fullest life, and inspired all of us to do the same. Though this part of his journey is over, the indelible influences of my father’s time here continue.

Thank you for being here with us to mourn him, celebrate him, remember him, thank him, and finally say, “We’ll meet again.”

Graveside services were held Monday October 21 at Haym Salomon Memorial Park, 200 Moores Road, Frazer, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to American Friends of Magen David Adom (afmda.org) or the Jewish National Fund (my.jnf.org).