A heart attack is the expected cause of his death.
"It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of an amazing man. Steve unexpectedly passed away yesterday evening. We are all in shock and disbelief. Words can not even begin to describe the grief and sorrow with the loss of an inspiring, loving, generous man. The loss of a husband, father, grandfather, partner and best friend. We will update information regarding memorial services once we have it. Please keep Stevens family in your prayers," the message reads.
The 73-year-old's catering company took over management of Leo Bistro inside the Dayton Art Institute on Aug. 7, 2015.
Adam Baumgarten, Bernstein's co-owner since 2006, called him a funny and loving man with "a laugh you could hear a mile away" and giant hands.
"He could put you to one knee with his handshake," Baumgarten said.
A resident of the village of Gordon near Arcanum in Darke County, Baumgarten drove in to his business in West Carrollton nearly everyday.
"He would complain every morning about the traffic and complain every night about the traffic," Baumgarten said with a laugh.
Now in his 30s, Baumgarten began working for Bernstein at age 16. He said Bernstein became his mentor, friend and family.
Baumgarten said the businesses name will stay the same as it grows and carries on Bernstein's legacy.
A native of Queens, New York, Bernstein came to the Dayton in the 1960s for a job in food services at the University of Dayton. He had also worked at the University of New Mexico and other companies.
Bernstein opened Uptown Delicatessen, a kosher-style deli and restaurant, in 1988 in the Randolph Plaza in Clayton.
2006 archive photo: Steve Bernstein is the owner of the Uptown Delicatessen and VP of the Clayton Business Association. He stands at the counter of his catering service. STAFF PHOTO / BILL REINKE
Bernstein sold kosher groceries at the business during a time when they were not easy to get in Dayton, according to The Jewish Observer.
The business transitioned to concentrate on catering about 15 years ago.
The catering company moved to West Carrollton in 2011.
Bernstein is survived by his wife Marti, son Mike Bernstein of Columbus, and two grandchildren, Kristen and Matt Bernstein of Columbus.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Baumgarten said a public memorial service will be held next month.
It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of an amazing man. Steve unexpectedly passed away yesterday...
Posted by Bernstein's Fine Catering on Friday, June 24, 2016
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