Bernard J. Falk

Bernard (Bernie, Ben) J. Falk, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather entered into eternal rest on December 4, 2024, just three weeks shy of his 91st birthday. Born, at home, in the Olney neighborhood of Philadelphia, he passed away in his Berkeley Heights home where he lived for 46 years.  

Son of the late Hans and Käthe Syré Falk, he was born and raised in the Olney section of Philadelphia – he loved his old neighborhood and could speak for hours on the wonders of growing up in Olney. He was a graduate of Saint Helena’s School and the Northeast Catholic High School for Boys in Philadelphia. He entered the United States Army shortly after graduating and served in Germany in the US Army Signal Corps. While serving in Germany, he met his wife of 65 years, Else Theobald Falk, who passed away in 2020. Upon release from his military service, he worked for Western Electric, and enjoyed a nearly 40 year career in the Bell System, eventually retiring from AT&T. After retirement from AT&T, he worked for the IBM corporation for several years. He was a graduate of LaSalle College, Philadelphia. 

In his retirement, he enjoyed annual trips with Else to Florida. He also enjoyed travel adventures with his grandsons Robby, Andy and John David, where they quickly learned the rules of travel in Pop’s Town Car. He enjoyed being outdoors, he was always up for skating on the Delaware Canal with Kathy and John, a hike in the Watchung Reservation with Peter and David or sledding with his grandchildren. A lover of classical music and opera, he and Else were regular subscribers to the Metropolitan Opera for many years, and he continued to attend live performances at local theaters through the last opera season. He was an avid tennis player who played twice a week for over 50 years, into his eighties. He enjoyed volunteering and served on the Westfield and Berkeley Heights Rescue Squads for many years and was a devoted volunteer at the Lyons Veterans Hospital where he visited with veterans; he received recognition from the White House for his many hours of service to veterans. Of late, he enjoyed his involvement with the Berkeley Heights Senior’s organization, participating in exercise classes, events and trips. Bernard was a long-time member and past officer of the Saengerchor of Newark – he very much enjoyed his Friday night rehearsal gatherings with the men of the chorus and the fellowship that followed. He was also a member of the Deutsche Club of Clark New Jersey. He was a voracious reader of non-fiction, believing there was always something more to learn. 

Bernard will be lovingly remembered by his four children, Katherine Hubbuch and her husband Robert, John and his wife Nettie, Peter and his wife Lori, David and his wife Laurie. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Robert and Andrew Hubbuch, John David Falk, and David, Michael, Melissa and Jessica Falk, as well as 6 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his dear friend Phyllis DiSturco. 

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Helena-Incarnation Catholic School c/o Independence Mission Schools, PO Box 37012, Philadelphia, PA 19122 (in memory of Bernard J Falk, Class of 1947), or the charity of your choice.