09/23/2025
To Our Patients and Friends: Dr. Ira Jonas Bernstein passed away peacefully at Stamford Hospital on September 22, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Mount Vernon, NY on June 12, 1930, Ira was the son of the late William and Pauline Bernstein. He had fond memories of growing up in Mount Vernon. Ira was a graduate of A.B. Davis High School in Mount Vernon and was proud to have earned a B.S. and M.S. in Optometry at Columbia University and Doctor of Optometry at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
He was Board Certified in Vision Development, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, College of Optometrists in Vision Development, and New York Academy of Optometry. Ira was also an Associate Clinical Professor Emeritus at S.U.N.Y, State College of Optometry in New York City. Ira worked at optometric practices before opening his own in 1960, first in Mount Vernon, then Mount Kisco, and ultimately in White Plain, NY.
In 1957, Ira met his future bride, Phyllisann Weidberg, to whom he was married for 66 years. Ira and Phyllisann moved in 1964, from Mount Vernon to Rye Brook, Westchester County, NY to raise their family. There he enjoyed coaching his three boys in little league, participating in bowling leagues and bridge clubs with his wife and many friends. He also spent time playing golf with friends and his three sons, as well as skiing, boating, astronomy, birding, and many other outdoor activities with his family, especially during their numerous trips over the years to Cape Cod. Two of Ira’s favorite pastimes were working on his voluminous international stamp collection and photography, amassing a collection of tens of thousands of photographs he would share with his family when together. Ira was a life-long participant in many civic organizations such as Rotary International, where he served as President of the White Plains club. He also volunteered at Temple Sholom in Greenwich, CT, running the youth group for many years with his beloved wife Phyllisann, among several other positions.
Although he excelled in the above roles and activities, his greatest joy and gratification came from his three sons, daughters-in-law, five grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved nothing more than spending time at large family gatherings. Everyone who knew Ira knew he loved his family, the New York Giants, and the New York Mets.
Ira is survived by his sons Dr. Paul Bernstein (Andrea), Warren Bernstein (Terri), Andrew Bernstein (Janna), his grandchildren Lauren Holcombe (Ben), Mark Bernstein (Mary Bradley), Kathryn Zaharchuk (Alex), Jessica Breen (Chris), and Alyssa Bernstein.
Services will be held at Temple Sholom, Greenwich, CT on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 2 p.m. with burial immediately following at Temple Sholom Cemetery.
Friends and family who wish to remember Ira in a special way may donate to the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. https://ccmnh.org/donate
