STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — He was a distinguished leader in both business and philanthropy, and a creative entrepreneur. A giant in the corporate world, he served as a director on a number of public company boards, as well as charitable organizations.
A humanitarian with a heart of gold and an inherent desire to help those in need, he was motivated by his passion to make a difference.
He would make positive contributions the world over and had a huge impact on the lives of thousands on Staten Island and beyond.
Alan S. Bernikow of Westerleigh, whose leadership skills and generosity benefited charities, health care centers and not-for-profits, died Tuesday evening in the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was 82.
AN ILLUSTRIOUS JOURNEY
Although he came from humble beginnings, Mr. Bernikow was a highly regarded businessman who soared to great heights.
He would ultimately reach the top of the corporate ladder and became an accomplished CEO entrusted with the task of making crucial company decisions.
But throughout his journey, he embodied honesty and loyalty, embracing the virtues of respect, compassion and humility. And he never failed to demonstrate a deep regard for the dignity of others.
THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
Mr. Bernikow would also demonstrate unparalleled support to the JCC, and worked tirelessly on behalf of causes related to the UJA Federation of New York.
Mr. Bernikow and his wife Joan’s commitment to the JCC culminated in the couple’s financial donation to the organization’s newest location at 1466 Manor Rd. in Sea View when it opened in 2006 with the dedication of the flagship Joan & Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center.
The outside of the JCC was built by artisans who traveled from overseas to create a wall that is reminiscent of Jerusalem’s Western or Wailing Wall, a sacred site.
The 115,000-square-foot, three-story building stands as a beacon off Manor Road.
“This is for all Staten Islanders,” said Mr. Bernikow at the time of its opening.
Mr. Bernikow and Joan donated $2 million to the project and raised an additional $1 million from organizations and individuals who sought to honor the Bernikows.
On the building’s Jerusalem-stone exterior, their names are inscribed — Joan & Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center.
“This is a community center and we have many years of serving all denominations and all races and we are very proud of it and we are going to continue to do that,” Mr. Bernikow said.
Later, in June 2015, when Mr. Bernikow accepted the Allan Weissglass Award, the JCC’s highest honor, he stated: “I am so honored at events like this. It makes you feel great and so proud. To us it’s a legacy. If you enjoy and take pride in what you do, that’s all that matters. You have to satisfy yourself. Together, we make things happen.”
Mr. Bernikow also was a co-founder of the JCC’s annual Golf, Tennis & Bocce Classic, a fund raiser that helps fund scholarships for camp and pre-school for children in needy families.
HIS LOVE OF THE GAME OF GOLF
“Al always enjoyed playing a good game of golf — and he was the first to acknowledge he wasn’t the most skilled golfer,” said longtime friend Jay Chazanoff.
“But he enjoyed himself when he was out on the course as much as anyone,” he added. “And Al always looked forward to playing with friends.”
Chazanoff explained, “There was a time in the late ‘90s and early 2000s when Alan and I set out to play as many of the top 100 golf courses in America that we could and we did play somewhere between 50 to 60 of those courses, with very few played well. We just had such a wonderful time in experiencing these courses and learning some of the history of the game of golf that went along with these courses where major tournaments were played. There wasn’t a doubt that golf was a significant part of Alan’s life’s journey.”
Chazanoff continued, the Old Course at St. Andrew’s in Scotland, the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world, is where Al and six of his golf buddies played in June 2006.
THE EARLY DAYS
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Mr. Bernikow graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School and went on to attend Barnard Baruch College in Manhattan, where he earned a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting.
Later in life, because of his enormous success, he would be summoned as a keynote speaker at Baruch’s graduation.
Upon graduation he entered the field of accounting and took a position with a small firm, where he met his wife of more than 50 years — the former Joan Freedman.
CORPORATE CAREER
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our dear friend, partner and co-founder of K2 Integrity, Alan S. “Al” Bernikow, passed away on September 26th, 2023, at the age of 82,” said Jules B. Kroll and Jeremy M. Kroll, Mr. Bernikow’s business partners.
They went on to explain the way in which Mr. Bernikow was critical in K2′s formation in 2010 and served as a trusted colleague, valued leader, and pillar within the organization.
“Those of us fortunate enough to have worked with Al have not only lost a mentor, an inspiring practitioner, and business strategist, but also a caring human being who extended a hand to anyone who needed help,” they said collectively.
HIS EXPERTISE
They added, in addition to his work at K2, Mr. Bernikow made a lasting impact on thousands of professionals, whether at Deloitte, where he rose to the level of Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Kroll Bond Rating Agency, where he also served as a co-founder, or in the many board director roles he served across public companies such as Revlon Inc., UBS Global Asset Management Inc., Florida Community Bank, and Mack-Cali.
He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.
They went on:
“Our partner, Bob Brenner, had the opportunity to work alongside Al since 2014 and said ‘Al was fiercely loyal – never afraid to take on a fight to support a colleague or defend a client. At the same time, he had high expectations for those around him and held us to them. In all those ways he made us better at business and better people. Philanthropy was at the core of the Bernikow family and the extensive impact made by Al and his wife of 50 years, Joan, has been preserved through the dedication of the Joan & Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center of Staten Island which stands as a testament of their altruistic devotion.
“Al also was a member of the boards of the Jewish Communal Fund, United Jewish Communities — The Federations of North America, UJA — Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, and Richmond University Medical Center.
“Our partner, Juan Zarate, had the benefit of working with Al after Financial Integrity Network & K2 Intelligence merged in 2019 and Juan notes, ‘Al was a rock – living a rich and meaningful life which we were privileged to witness until his closing days. We are blessed to say that Al was a part of our lives. May his memory be a blessing, and may he rest in peace.’
“Along with Al’s family, friends, and colleagues, we mourn the loss of a caring and generous human being and an irreplaceable business and community leader.”
OTHER ENDEAVORS
Mr. Bernikow was also the inaugural chairman of the Heart Institute at Staten Island University Hospital, in addition to holding the title of former chairman of Bayley Seton Hospital. He also was a board of director of Richmond University Medical Center, past president of the Richmond County Country Club and a past president of the JCC.
CONDOLENCES
Former Borough President James Molinaro: “Alan was an outstanding individual who I knew for many years. He was very kind and one of the reasons we have the JCC today. I was personally involved with him when he became involved in the Parks Department property. And it’s wonderful that the JCC offers so programs to so many people. Before the hospital became Richmond University Medical Center, when it was still St. Vincent’s, I was on the board with him and he contributed so much support to the hospital. Alan was indeed a very rare individual. He will be sorely missed.”
Joan Cusack, District Manager, Community Board 1: “Alan Bernikow’s passing is a tremendous loss to his many friends and to Staten Island, especially his wife, Joan. Together, their philanthropy was above and beyond and they donated with humility and dignity. Alan was a wonderful friend who had the gift of making anyone he spoke to feel like they were the most important person in the room. And those who experienced his kindness were very lucky. He gave so much to so many and it was always from his heart. His friends, along with all of Staten Island, will miss him terribly.”
Borough President Vito Fossella: “The passing of Alan Bernikow leaves a deep void on Staten Island, as he was a one of a kind leader of business and philanthropist. His legacy is visible all throughout our Island.”I got the pleasure of getting to know Alan when I worked at Deloitte, which was my first job out of college, where he was a partner. We developed a relationship, professional and personal, that lasted 36 years.”He was a gracious, good guy. He was well respected, not only for his business mind, but also for his willingness to give back to the island that he loved. As one of the founders of the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island, his generous support throughout the years for its programs and many other organizations across the Island, have made a positive impact on the lives of thousands of our residents. Mary Pat and I offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Alan Bernikow. He will be greatly missed.”
District Attorney Michael McMahon: “We lost a titan of our community with the passing of Alan Bernikow, a man who, together with his wife Joan, leaves an impact that will be felt by generations of Staten Islanders to come. It was my distinct honor to know Alan and call him a friend; we shared many conversations at home and in Manhattan about the news of the day, local politics, and of course our beloved community of Staten Island. Alan was quick to lend his extensive business expertise to bettering his hometown, and he knew that giving back, most notably to the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island, would bring an incredible return on investment, particularly for young people and those in need. His support of Camp Good Grief, Sunrise Day Camp, and countless other initiatives and events benefitting our neighbors will never be forgotten, and Judy and I send our condolences and love to Joan and all of Alan’s family and loved ones as they grieve his loss.”
Daniel Messina, president and CEO of Richmond University Medical Center: “I know I speak for the entire Richmond University Medical Center family in expressing our deepest condolences and sympathy on the passing of Alan Bernikow. He defined like many in his inner circle, what the word community supporter means. Alan had a long and illustrious finance career in Manhattan and as a board member in particular at RUMC and Bayley Seton Hospital.
On a personal level it was a true privilege for me to work alongside of Alan. Alan was a true giant in the finance industry, rubbing elbows with some of the biggest names in the business world. While his career would be the envy of many, his role as husband truly was his biggest priority. He was a trusted and highly respected trustee who brought a level of confidence nd solution based philosphy that permeated the board room and made us all that more sharp. While the business of our relationship was no-holds-barred-business, we enjoyed over my years at RUMC a unique friendship. Ironically, our friendship took off as I was saying goodbye to another trustee and community leader, Allan Weissglass.
Losing Alan Bernikow is another wake up call to how fragile life is and why we need to do our best to always rally together, not rally apart. I will miss my weekend visits and his advice and counsel. Thank you Joan, his wife, and Alan for the generous support of our hospital and for taking me under your wing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Joan, his amazing caregivers, his entire family and may friends and colleagues that he impacted throughout his wonderful life.”
Longtime friend, Jay Chazanoff: “I was truly blessed to have had a special friendship with Alan for almost 50 years. His passing is heartbreaking for me, but I find comfort in knowing his philanthropic impact on our community and his professional career leaves a legacy of enormous proportions. Alan was a caring human being who felt great joy in helping others. He defined the best qualities of leadership and he channeled his skills to improve the lives of thousands of people in our community and beyond.”
Longtime family friend, Maria Petrone: “Friends are the family that we select. I was blessed when my dad and Alan became dear friends. For as long as I can remember, Alan and Joan were part of my life. Every momentous occasion was celebrated with Alan. As life progressed traditions continued. Alan and Joan have celebrated every holiday at our family’s table. alan helped keep the memory of my dad alive through numerous stories. He has been a special person in our family for thre generations, serving as a good friend, confidant, and role model to me, my husband and our children. We will miss you. You will live in our hearts forever. xo”
Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC: “On behalf of the JCC that bears his name, we are all so heartbroken over this loss. Al was a lifelong philanthropist who believed in the importance of giving back to his community. A smart, savvy man, he used all his skills to ensure that our agency continued to thrive and meet its mission of serving our borough. Al was a true community builder with a big heart, and his top priority was making sure that anyone who needed it could find support at our JCC.”
Allison Cohen, chief of communications and fundraising at the JCC: “On a personal note, Al was a huge supporter of mine, helping me grow in my career. He and I were very much alike in our desire to get the job done and make logical decisions in support of the JCC’s mission. We also bonded over our mutual love and support of Israel. I am so thankful that he shared so much of his wisdom and guidance with me over the years. On behalf of our board and staff, we are forever grateful for his leadership and commitment, not only to our JCC, but to all of Staten Island and beyond. Our hearts go out to his wife, Joan, his family, and friends. We have the privilege and honor to keep his legacy alive, and we will not let him down.”
Noel Speigel, a former partner at Deloitte & Touche and friend: “I met Al in 1977. He was an extraordinary individual in business, philanthropy and personally. He cared deeply about people and would go out of his way to help in any way he could. In dealing with people he gave of himself and would spend whatever time was necessary. He was a kind, caring and generous man. To me he was a mentor, friend and partner and I will miss him greatly. I am honored to call him my friend.”
Mark Murphy, administrator of Freshkills Park and the president of the Freshkills Park Alliance. “We are all so saddened by the loss of Alan Bernikow. He was more than a friend, he was a mentor and someone you could always rely on. He was a giant in Staten Island and our city. His philanthropy, leadership and generosity will be missed beyond words. His wife, Joan, is in our thoughts and prayers.”
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Menorah Chapels in New Springville.
A Memorial/Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 2:30 p.m. at the Joan & Bernikow JCC of Staten Island at 1466 Manor Rd. in Sea View.
Those who would like to honor Mr. Bernikow’s memory may make a donation to the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island in Mr. Bernikow’s name.
Visit https://sijcc.networkforgood.com/projects/205153-in-loving-memory-of-alan-s-bernikow
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