With great sorrow, the family of Dr. Bernard Schneider announces his peaceful passing on October 19, 2024, at the remarkable age of 95.
Not one of Bernard’s many years was wasted. His long life was rich with compassion, curiosity, and joy. He was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, physician, teacher, humanitarian, and friend, and he will be deeply missed.
Bernard (Binyamin) Schneider was born in Brooklyn on July 26, 1929, to Rabbi Hyman (Chaim) Schneider and Fannie (Fayge) Twersky, who settled in New York City in 1905 after immigrating from Tolna in Eastern Europe, part of what is now Ukraine. As their son, Bernard was the progeny of a revered Jewish lineage. He was a direct descendant of Yisroel ben Eliezer, the Ba’al Shem Tov, who fathered the Chassidic movement; the great-great-grandson of Menachem Nochum Twersky of Chernobyl, who founded the renowned Chernobyl Chassidic Dynasty; and the grandson of the last Tolna Rebbe in Tolna. Bernard embodied their rich, enduring legacy of faith, tradition, and sagacity throughout his life.
As a boy, Bernard attended a religious school in Brooklyn, studying in both Hebrew and English, before moving on to New Utrecht High School, where he developed a love of sports and excelled as the anchor on the school’s track team. His impressive speed earned him multiple championship titles and an athletic scholarship to Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University. He kept a diverse schedule of studies, was a Dean’s List honor student, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. His interest in the Humanities, those subjects concerned with the human condition and experience, led him to pursue what many consider the highest occupational calling: medicine. But first, he would meet the love of his life.
Marjorie Scher was an ideal match for Bernie, as he preferred to be called. Both possessed curious minds and were called to the service of humankind—he as a doctor, she as a schoolteacher, and later fine arts virtuoso. The two were married on August 3, 1952. They began their long life together in newly divided Germany at the onset of the Cold War, where Bernie, like his war-hero brothers Norman and Irving before him, served his country as an officer in the United States Army, maneuvering opposite the Soviet Army.
Once his service was fulfilled, Bernie and his wife returned to the U.S., where he attended Tulane School of Medicine in New Orleans and graduated with distinction. He completed his medical residency in Philadelphia under the mentorship of ophthalmological pioneer Dr. Harold Scheie, and took part in creating the Scheie Eye Institute, a world leader in studying and caring for the human eye. Dr. Schneider then remained in Pennsylvania while building his remarkable career and legacy. He founded the first ophthalmology group in South Philadelphia and served as Head of Ophthalmology at Methodist Hospital and Saint Agnes Hospital for over three decades. His innovative work in ophthalmology, tireless advocacy for doctors’ and patients’ rights, and service to the community also led to his election as the President of the Medical Staff at Methodist Hospital and being honored with the Norris Award for his outstanding service. As a leader and a dedicated educator in his field, Bernie taught at almost every major medical school in the region, assisting and inspiring generations of future physicians.
As his career grew, so did his family, and Bernie and Marjorie were ultimately blessed with four children: Jill, Susan, Barbara, and Kenneth. Each was motivated by their parents’ integrity, values, and commitment to service. Two became respected ophthalmologists like their father, while the others excelled in the practice of law. Never could there have been prouder parents than these.
In rare leisure times, Dr. Schneider devoted himself to passions that enriched the body and soul. As an avid walker and nature lover, he spent countless hours on the paths of Chester County. He embraced the world’s cultural richness alongside his wife, traveling the seven continents and building a deep appreciation of fine art and classical music. A devoted community member, he served in organizations like the Lions Club and advocated for eye care initiatives. His caring for and service to his communities earned him the rank of Knight Commander of Goodness with the Knights of Columbus and a personal blessing from the Pope.
Dr. Schneider is survived by his wife of over seventy years, Marjorie; his four children, Jill, Susan, Barbara, and Kenneth; his three grandchildren, Sara, Michael, and Matthew; and his two great-grandchildren, Calvin and Sophie. His steadfast commitment to the betterment of humankind ensured an incredible legacy of compassion, service, and ingenuity that will live on through all those who knew him loved him and learned from him.
Zikhrono livrakhah.
May his memory be a blessing.