Dr. Bernard Wasserman, Beloved Veterinarian of Brooklyn Heights, Dies at 91

By on November 14, 2011 10:08 am in Obituaries

BHB reader “Eddy” informs us of some sad news:

NYT: Dr. Bernard Wasserman, 91, of Brooklyn Heights, died November 11. Dearly beloved husband of the late Bernice, cherished father of Harvey and Kim and Andrew and Donna; loving grandfather of Jake and Sarah; beloved uncle, cousin and friend. Graduate of Brooklyn College and Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, he served in the US Army during WWII and later was a professor at the University of Rhode Island before returning to Brooklyn to open his veterinary hospital. Creative and vivacious, he was an author and artist and enjoyed skiing, tennis, animals, nature and spending time with family and friends. We will miss him deeply. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Michael J. Fox Foundation appreciated. Services, Sunday, November 13, 10:30am, Parkside Chapel, 2576 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn.

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  • bornhere

    Dr Wasserman was the “first vet in my life,” and I measured all others against him. He was a great advisor, diagnostician, and healer, and he cared well for so many of my pets over the years, whether they were random strays brought in by the 8-year-old me or long-time pets brought in much later. I hope his family fully knows how much he meant to so many humans and animals.

  • Gerry

    This is a great loss Bernie was God’s gift to humanity took such good care of my pet doggie.

  • nabeguy

    bornhere, couldn’t have said it better myself. Bernie treated countless numbers of our family pets over the years in that quiet reassuring way that he had. He even treated my brother and sister when they got ringworm! While he retired from his practice many years ago, I’ve always consider him a Heights legend. My sympathies to his family.

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/13189502@N02/ Eddyenergizer

    Homer, Thank you for posting this.

    bornhere, Yes his family and extended family “fully know how much he meant to so many humans and animals” I can attest to the wealth of accolades bestowed upon Bernie at his service and shiva.

    Growing up, I admired admired Bernie, he was one of the coolest dads in the neighborhood. A straight-up, no nonsense yet gentle demeanor. His was a life well lived. A warm soul, a gift to all that knew him.

    Sadly, His wife Bernice passed away just four weeks ago. I will miss them both.

  • Karl Junkersfeld

    This is very sad news indeed. Dr. Wasserman and his wife were totally dedicated to one another. I had the pleasure of eating with them twice at Noodle Pudding. What an interesting story teller. My last meeting with him to gave me a signed copy of his book, “The Dog Who Met the Queen”. What a fun read about the neighborhood with a particularly fun segment about his experience with Truman Capote. A great loss to the neighborhood. Bernie, you will be missed.

  • since47

    Even if the white paint is covered over with another some day, I will always think of the little, odd structure on the corner of Hicks and Cranberry as Dr. Wasserman’s office.

  • Western Brooklyn

    Dr. Bernard Wasserman was simply one of the very finest human beings I ever had the honor of knowing in my life!!! May he & his wife R.I.P.!!!

  • Dixie Soto

    Today I opened the Brooklyn Courier and I read that Dr. Wasserman
    had passed away, my heart just hurt. I was hired by Dr. Turoff, in
    1994 to work at the clinic. I remember doing surgery with Dr. Wasserman, what and experience that was. He was an unbelievable
    Doctor, and a wonderful person. I attended his book signing at the
    hospital and that was the last time I saw him. I will always remember
    him with warm thoughts and love as well as Bernice. My love goes
    out to the family.

    Sincerely, Dixie

  • Mura Kievman

    I’m late here but a friend just sent me the news. I have thought of Dr. Wasserman often since his retirement, and fairly frequently ran into him on the street. We used him as our vet since we adopted our first cat in 1972. He was a very special man and I have always missed his smiling face in the office. (Once he WAS there, a while back, helping out.) Blessings to his memory. I think I now have to re-read his book.