Bernard Udel, a resident of Sweetwood in Williamstown, died peacefully in his home on June 1, 2012 in the presence of his beloved wife Florence (Jackie) and nephew Edward. He had been struggling with the effects of pneumonia. Bernard, known as Bernie by friends and relatives, was the son of Jenny and Howard Udel. Bernie was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1915 and worked as a photographer at Udel Brothers Studio on Charles Street in downtown Baltimore. Eventually he changed careers and became a jewelry wholesaler with many customers in and around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. Brothers Gershon and Frank pre-deceased him at the ages of 35 and 70 respectively. Bernard served as a photographer in the Army Medical Corps during World War II. He was given a special pass by General Dwight Eisenhower to photograph scenes throughout Europe for the military. Years later, he and his beloved wife, best known as Jackie, traveled throughout the World taking thousands of slides which they proudly showed to family and friends. At Sweetwood, Bernie enjoyed showing their slideshows to appreciative residents who marveled at his memory of street names, restaurants, museums and cathedrals. A product of the Great Depression, Bernie was self- educated, voraciously reading and studying. He had an extraordinary knowledge of history and geography and he very much enjoyed conversing with many Sweetwood residents who shared his passion for these areas. He and his wife of 65 years also enjoyed classical music and the fine arts. He was a regular at the Clark Art Institute and he knowledgeably guided his friends and family through the collection. Bernie leaves nephews Larry, Steve and Rick Silber, Tom Glass and Edward Udel, their children and the children of several cousins. He and Jackie frequently hosted family gatherings in both Baltimore and Williamstown. They both took delight in food preparation and presentation. Bernie was a skilled fencer and won the Maryland state championship at the age of 60. He enjoyed instructing the fencing team at Johns Hopkins University at the invitation of their coach and after he moved to Williamstown, he offered his fencing expertise to members of the Williams College Fencing Club. He was a member of the Louis Green Post # 140 Jewish War Veterans U.S.A. FUNERAL NOTICE: Services will be Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Knesset Israel Synagogue 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield, MA., with Rabbi David Weiner, Spiritual Leader, officiating- Burial will follow at Knesset Israel Cemetery on Pecks Road. The family will receive friends during Shiva at the home of Edward and Lisa,Udel 69 Meadow Drive, Dalton, MA., on Tuesday Evening, June 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. with evening services at 7:30 p.m. Those who wish to honor Bernard are encouraged to make gifts to Congregation Knesset Israel 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield, MA., 01201 where and endowment will be established in his name.

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