Bernard Peison, M.D.'s Obituary
Bernard Peison, M.D., passed away very peacefully in his sleep at his home-with his wife of 56 years by his side-on Saturday, January 14, 2023. As a close friend of the family said, “it was a royal exit.”
Bernard was “officially” 93-although it is very likely he was 94-perhaps even older. Born into a modest family in 1929-his father was a shoemaker-in Myszyniec, Poland-Bernard would frequently share stories that the recording of vital statistics in the shtetl was less than robust. In 1935, Bernard’s father, Moishe, fortuitously chose to move the family to the new world-where they settled in Havana, Cuba.
It was a difficult childhood-being Jewish-in a new, foreign country-and having to learn an entirely new language. The family was poor and as Bernard grew a bit older he was expected to work in order to help provide for his family.
Notwithstanding the deluge of challenges, Bernard excelled in school. He also treasured his free time-where he could let his imagination run free-and read about the “Adventures of Tarzan” or pretend to be D’Artagnan of “The Three Musketeers”.
Thanks to the support of his brother, Bernard attended the University of Havana and went on to complete his medical degree in 1955. Following graduation, Bernard embarked upon his residency-originally focusing on Neurology and then pivoting to Pathology and Neuropathology at New York University-Bellevue Medical Center. Bernard was one of the very few pathologists to obtain 3 board certifications-clinical, anatomical and neuropathology.
Being a young physician in New York City-at Bellevue-in the late 1950s was one of the most rewarding periods of his life. The City was sparkling and Bernard reveled in the opportunity to learn and help others.
Following the completion of his training, Bernard moved to Chicago where he worked as an attending pathologist at Michael Reese Hospital and thereafter Mercy Hospital. During a medical meeting at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, Bernard’s eyes fell upon the beautiful Karen-at the hotel pool. His first question to her was “do you smoke?”. Thrilled to hear she did not-they went for a walk along the beach. 6 months later on July 31, 1966-they were married at the Fontainebleau Hotel. In December of 1967, they welcomed their son, David. Soon thereafter, they moved to New Jersey where Bernard was hired as the Chief Pathologist, Director of Laboratories of Rahway Hospital. In November of 1969, their daughter, Brenda was born.
For nearly 30 years, Bernard truly enjoyed every moment at Rahway Hospital. Next to his devotion to his family-working at Rahway Hospital was his second passion. Although not the largest medical institution, Bernard encountered some very unique cases-resulting in him authoring/co-authoring 50 papers in some of the most highly respected peer-review journals. Bernard loved everything about Pathology and loved being a “doctor’s doctor”. He also enjoyed teaching-and served as a Clinical Associate Professor of Pathology at New York University for well over 10 years.
Each morning, on his way to the hospital, he savored his time at the Westfield YMCA. His favorite part was the banter with the other regulars and a good steam! On his way home-it would not be a surprise to hear he stopped in at one of his favorite clothing stores along Route 22-as they “had a good sale”. Oh did he love a bargain! And he loved living in New Jersey. Spanish food (gambas al ajillo) was always his first choice and no one did it better than El Bodegon in Rahway. The family would also make frequent trips into Manhattan to enjoy a new exhibit at the Met, see a musical (Fiddler on the Roof and West Side Story were his favorites) stroll along 5th Avenue and bring home some warm bagels from Penn Station. Bernard also loved nature-and for several years hiked to the summit of Mount Washington with his son and friends.
Although difficult to say good-bye-the time had come and Bernard retired from Rahway Hospital in 1997, starting a new life in Florida. Focus shifted to travel-cruising was his preference because it was all inclusive-and honing his passion for photography. For over 25 years, Bernard lived the good life-he and Karen made new friends, traveled the world (he was in awe of our National Parks), enjoyed family Thanksgivings in Las Vegas and frequent visits to Miami and Manhattan. He never shied away from a political conversation-and would never waiver in his views. When asked “how was your meal” he would answer with the truth-which usually meant something was going to be sent back to the kitchen. A staunch supporter of Israel and a true American patriot-Bernard lived the American dream. Bernard was truly one of a kind and epitomized the Frank Sinatra song, “My Way”… We lost a good one.
“I've lived a life that's full,
I traveled each and every highway,
And more, much more
I did it, I did it my way!”
He is missed each and every day.
What’s your fondest memory of Bernard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bernard?
Share a story where Bernard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bernard you’ll never forget.
How did Bernard make you smile?
