Sydney Bartell

SYDNEY BARTELL, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, died March 18, 2010, at the age of 89. Our hearts are broken. Sydney was born on September 15, 1920, and raised in Brooklyn by his parents, Fanny and Benjamin Bernstein. At age 17 he joined the Merchant Marines, and later served during WWII in the Army Air Corps as a navigation instructor/officer. When the war ended he met Muriel Kushner, and after a three day courtship proposed marriage. Last June Muriel and Sydney celebrated 63 years of marriage. Sydney had a long career with Lane Bryant, retiring in 1984 as Vice President of Merchandising. His interests were varied and numerous, and revealed his many talents - he thoroughly enjoyed good food, reading, classical music, travel, and fixing things. He took tremendous pride in his home in Croton-on Hudson - and found peace and comfort sitting on the patio or in his den looking at the view - the old stone wall, field beyond, the deer and other wildlife.
Most of all he appreciated every member of his family and leaves them to mourn, and celebrate his life: His wife, Muriel; daughter Aileen Wolff (and husband Nick); his sons Bruce Bartell (and Geri Gastar) and Richard Bartell (and Julianne Splain); his grandchildren Jen Luckner (and Dan), Matt, Laura and Joanna Wolff, Ben and Jackson Bartell; his great grandchildren Elizabeth, Ally and Katie Luckner; and his brother Harry Bernstein (and Elinor Horn). Sydney loved and believed in all of us, and encouraged us to believe in ourselves. He inspired us not only with his words of advice, but by the way he lived every day with integrity, kindness and love. For many years he quietly suffered from chronic pain yet he never failed in a conversation to show his care and concern for others. His wonderful sense of humor and wit made us laugh. Although his love and memory are enduring, we will miss him more than words can express.