Attorney, Former Winthrop Golf Club President and Lifetime Member of Winthrop Elks
George L. “Jerry” Bernstein, Esquire, 90, of Winthrop, formerly of Lynnfield, passed away on June 4, 2026, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital after a brief illness.
Jerry was preceded in death by his beautiful, beloved wife of 46 years, Elaine (Davis). He and Elaine were together for more than 50 years and lived in Lynnfield for over four decades. They had many close friends in the community and were very pleased to make their home there.
Born on February 8, 1936, in Chelsea to the late Morris and Anne (Kaplan) Bernstein. Jerry grew up in Winthrop, the youngest of three boys. His two dear older brothers were the late Sheldon C. Bernstein and the late Theodore “Teddy” Bernstein. All three attended the Winthrop School System. Jerry graduated from Winthrop High School in 1954, went on to matriculate at Northeastern University and then got his law degree from Boston University Law School. He was a business lawyer who practiced law for over 65 years as a private practitioner. In 1976 Jerry was appointed Special Assistant Attorney General. He had offices first in Boston, then in Lynnfield.
Jerry was a loving husband, a devoted brother and son, the best uncle and a wonderful friend to many. Beyond his work, Jerry found joy in traveling with Elaine, especially to Florida, going to Celtics games with her, taking her out to the best restaurants, driving his cars, spending time with his brothers, golfing, watching football, attending Super Bowls and he cherished time spent with his nieces, nephews and many friends.
Those who knew Jerry remember him for his quick wit, humor, generosity and intelligence.
Jerry loved his country and was very patriotic. He served in the army reserves as a young man in the Judge Advocate Corps. He was always ready to discuss current events and was passionate about politics.
A member of the Winthrop Golf Club since 1960, he served on the Board of Governors and was the club president from 1976-1977 and the club’s counsel for many years. It was there that in the mid-1980’s, he was crowned with the nickname, “The Burger” i due to a special burger he often ordered. He soon became known to many as “Burger” or in the case of family “Uncle Burger.” It was said regularly that “everyone should have an Uncle Burger.” He was also a Lifetime member of the Winthrop Lodge of Elks, having joined both organizations with his brother, Sheldon.
Uncle Burger, was the devoted uncle of Karen M. Bernstein of Winthrop, Terri Goodman and her husband, Mark of Roswell, GA, Lisa Lifer and her husband, Craig, of Hackettstown, NJ, Gary Bernstein and his wife, Claire of Longview, CO, Joel Bernstein and his partner, Rhonda Lewis of Denver, NC, Linda Bernstein of Saugus, Michael Bernstein and his wife, Christine, of Winthrop, Sam Gollis and his wife, Claire of Denver, CO, Hillary Gollis of Amherst, MA; Harry Davis, of Dartmouth, MA and the late William Davis. He is also survived by 18 grand nieces and grand nephews as well as 13 great-grand nieces and nephews and his dear cousin, Toby Diamond of Chestnut Hill, MA.
A funeral was held on June 15 at Torf Funeral Service in Chelsea and interment was at Sharon Memorial Park in Sharon. Many family and friends attended. Donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to The Brigham Fund, https://give.brighamandwomens.org/the-brigham-fund/