Dr. Bernard Borislow's Obituary
BERNARD BORISLOW, Ph.D, Psychologist
Dr. Bernard Borislow, affectionately known as Bernie, passed away on Friday, October
20, 2023, at the age of 91. He was a beloved figure in both Dunedin, FL, and his
hometown of Philadelphia, PA.
Bernie was born in 1931 in Philadelphia to Nathan and Thelma Borislow, the eldest of
four children. He grew up in West Philadelphia and graduated from West Philadelphia
High School. His academic journey took him to the University of Pennsylvania, where
he earned his B.A..in Psychology in 1954, followed by an M.A.. in Psychology in 1955,
and a Ph.D. in Psychology in 1961.
Throughout his career, Bernie achieved remarkable success in various professional
roles serving the mental health community. After obtaining his Ph.D., he was the
Extension Director of B’nai B’rith Vocational Services of Philadelphia, then in 1961
started as the Supervisor of Rehabilitation Psychology at Norristown State Hospital. In
1963, he took on the role of Consulting Psychologist for General Electric's Missile and
Space Division, contributing to manned space flight programs and astronaut testing. In
1966, he joined Temple University Health Science Center as Assistant Director for
Administration, eventually becoming the Director of the Social Adjustments and
Rehabilitation Unit. His career journey led him to the position of Director of the
Community Mental Health Center at Albert Einstein Medical Center from 1970 to 1974.
From 1974 to 1980 he was the Director of Research and Training at Eastern
Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute. In 1980 he joined the Office of Mental Health in the
Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, culminating in 1988 as Area Director for Southeastern Pennsylvania. He served on the faculties of Drexel University and Temple
University School of Medicine. He was the Past President of the Pennsylvania
Psychological Association. Prior to his retirement in 2014, he served as Executive
Director of the non-profit Philadelphia Mental Health Care Corporation for 17 years.
Even after attempting retirement, Bernie continued to make a difference as a Consulting
Psychologist, working with the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and
Intellectual Disability Services, New York State Offices of Mental Health, and various
organizations dedicated to enhancing mental health services.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bernie was a loving father to four
children, a doting grandfather to nine grandchildren, and a proud great-grandfather to
two. When he was not working, he cherished his time with his wife Judee and his family,
took solace in his home, purchased innumerable gadgets, and enjoyed reading and
staying informed about current events. He had a passion for sports, particularly the
Philadelphia Phillies and E-A-G-L-E-S, and was a founding supporter of the
Philadelphia Union MLS Soccer team.
Bernie noted that his answer to the epitaph, "What was that all about?" was pride, not
just in his own achievements and contributions, but, more importantly, for the
accomplishments of his wife, Judee, his sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
siblings, nieces, nephews, and all their loving partners.
Bernie is survived by his cherished wife and dearest companion, Judee M. Bavaria, and
three loving sons: David Borislow MD, with his wife Mary Lee (Stoehr) and their
children Jaimie (Patrick Hooper), Jeffrey, and Jared (Leah Sweet); Michael Borislow, alongside his wife Jennifer (Kurth) and their children Jessica and Lauren (Josh
Dollinger); Andrew Borislow and Meridith Consor, and his children Alec and Everett, and
their mother Alyssa (Brody) Borislow. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law,
Michele (Luff) Borislow and her children Daniel and Kylie, as well as his former wife,
Roberta Ritchie, his siblings Dr. Alan (Susan), Seymour (Lynn), and Arlene Monroe
Freedman, along with many nieces and nephews. Bernie held a special place in his
heart for his great-grandchildren, Thomas Hooper and Asher Dollinger. He was excited
and looked forward to welcoming Rex Messing and Alexa Reinfeld to the family next
year.
In addition to his parents Nathan and Thelma (Kuperstein), Bernie was preceded in
death by his son, Daniel Borislow.
Dr. Bernard Borislow's enduring impact on the field of psychology, his dedication to his
family, and his love for his community will be remembered and cherished by all who had
the privilege of knowing him. His warmth and wisdom will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In memory of Bernie, contributions can
be made to charity of your choice, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at
www.nami.org. Your support will help advance the important work NAMI does for mental
health awareness and advocacy.
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.
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