David Bernstein, longtime executive at K&L Microwave, the company his brother founded, and a trailblazer in his own right, is being remembered as a kind man and “a real pillar in the community.”

Bernstein, who died from cancer on Dec. 8, at age 75, founded RDI Wire & Cable Solutions with his son, Jake after retiring from K&L Microwave, which is brother, Richard, founded.

The company was sold, but Bernstein continued to work there until his retirement 28 years later. Afterward, he started Filter Networks, then RDI Wire & Cable.

“He was a thoughtful, kind man. He was focused on the business. He was focused on the customers and focused on his employees. He was a real pillar in the community, very involved,” said Michele M. Garigliano, vice president and general manager of K&L, who worked with Bernstein three years.

In his obituary, he was remembered for the “care he showed his employees as well all his business intellect.”

A native of Shamokin, Pa., Bernstein grew up in Chincoteague, graduated from Chincoteague High School in 1959, then served in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years.

His father, Jacob Bernstein, ran a garment factory in Chincoteague and also had shops in Pocomoke City and Crisfield.

Bernstein and his wife, Alice, married the year before he was discharged from the Coast Guard. They were married 54 years.

The couple moved to Salisbury in 1975.

He is survived by his wife; children, Debbie Marsh of Chincoteague, Skip Bowman of Chincoteague and Jake Bernstein of Salisbury; grandchildren Kelly Marsh, Frank Marsh, Tara Mather and Jessica Bernstein; and great-grandchildren, Sebastian Mather and Sydney Mather.

He is also survived by siblings Daniel Bernstein of Chincoteague and Joe Bernstein, Richard Bernstein, Faith Bernstein, Nick Bernstein and Michael Bernstein, all of Salisbury. There are also many nieces and nephews.

Bernstein was as member of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church for many years.