Bernard J. Reisin, 95, passed away on July 28, 2018.  Bernie was one of the founding Directors of Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd.  He retired on June 1, 1999, ending his 50+ years in public accounting as a CPA and business advisor.

Bernie, along with his partners, Bernard Berk, Allen Abrams, Earle Kessler, Herbert Ostrow, Kalman Shiner and Melvyn Strauss, had worked together since the late 1950s at Miller Mandell & Company.  Miller Mandell subsequently merged with Laventhol and Horwath in 1970.  In 1977, Bernie and his partners decided to take a risk and venture out on their own, founding ORBA.

When the firm was established, the partners split responsibilities.  Bernie took on the task of building the firm’s infrastructure and internal operations.  He stayed in this role until he retired and passed on his commitment to integrity and efficiency, which is a hallmark of the firm’s management today.

Bernie, like all of his partners, had a strong commitment to client service, a model he excelled at his entire career.  Many of the current Directors were fortunate to work with him and learn what world-class service means and were able to develop their own styles while working under his guidance.  His willingness to share clients helped develop the next generation of Directors working at ORBA.

Today, the ORBA family has grown to more than 150 employees, and the firm is ranked among the top 200 largest accounting firms in the country and the 18th largest in Chicago.

Bernie served honorably in World War II as a navigator in the Pacific theater.  He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, the oldest military combat honor that symbolizes courage and dedication of those wounded in battle. He was also awarded the Silver Star Medal, which recognizes members of the Armed Forces for bravery in the time of war.

Bernie was a devoted husband to his loving wife of 74 years, Elaine, who passed away shortly after his death.  They are survived by their three children, eleven grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren.

Bernie positively impacted many lives, both personally and professionally. The firm proudly carries on his legacy, operating on the foundation of values he established more than 40 years ago.