Bernard “Bernie” Israel Menaker, 93, was born on September 1, 1923 to Louis and Rose Menaker, who emigrated from Russia in the early 1900s. Along with his older brother, Sid and a younger sister, Irene “Hilda,” they resided in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles.

Bernie took up the trumpet at 14-years-old and was such a natural talent he quickly became the leader of the Roosevelt High School Jazz Band. He graduated from high school in 1942 and continued playing clubs around Los Angeles.

With WWII ongoing Bernie enlisted into the United States Army on December 8, 1942. He was able to continue his passion and served as a Pfc. Bandsman playing at USO dances, concerts, receptions, and with the orchestra. He received an Honorable Discharge on January 16, 1946 – he was decorated with the American Theater Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.

After returning home, he met a beautiful young woman from New York named Shirley Weiner. Often she would come listen to his band play. They fell in love, were engaged within 3 months and married on August 4, 1946.

Two children were born: Eilene and Mark.

Bernie worked with his wife’s brothers, Izzy and Phil, in the garment industry. He studied pattern making and design in his spare time and eventually opened his own clothing manufacturing business, B Menaker Company.

His real desire remained playing music and he continued playing private parties as well.

In 1964, Bernie released a record album titled, “Mr. Bernie Himself.”

When his music business became fulltime he sold the clothing business. In the 1970s he combined his love of music with his business sense and opened the popular Lido Manor in Studio City. It had various sized banquet rooms and in-house catering for private parties — primarily wedding receptions and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. He provided the best musicians from the Bernie Menaker Orchestra.

After its closure, Bernie and Shirley enjoyed more time traveling – to Israel and many other places – but wherever they went Bernie would meet the band and often sat in with them — then he’d twirl his love Shirley on the dance floor.

Bernie’s parents, Louis and Rose Menaker, his brother Sid, his sister and brother-in-law, Hilda and Irv Nudelman, and his wife of 68 years, Shirley Menaker, preceded him in death. He joined his bride on September 25, 2016 in Sherman Oaks, CA.

Bernie is survived by daughter Eilene Young (Thomas); son Mark Menaker (Susan); granddaughter Ilona Wall (Daniel); grandson Vincent Young; granddaughter Netanya Hernandez; grandson William “Finn” McAlpin; and his great-grandson, Luca Wall.