Bernard Leff, M.D.
LEFF: Bernard Leff, M.D., passed away peacefully on Nov. 9, 2026, at the age of 97. A man with a heart of gold, Bernie was defined by his kindness, his boundless positivity and the radiant smile he shared with everyone he met. He possessed a rare gift: He saw the good, and the beauty, in everything and everyone around him. Bernie also held a special affection for life’s simple pleasures — he loved hot fudge sundaes and was known to enjoy a bowl of ice cream almost every single night. Bernie dedicated his life to healing others. He served honorably as a physician for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, before establishing a long and successful private practice as an otolaryngologist. His patients cherished him for his deep empathy, skill and warm bedside manner. Even after retiring, Bernie’s calling to help others couldn’t be quieted; he continued to care for patients in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. One of his proudest legacies was seeing three of his children and one of his grandchildren follow in his footsteps into the medical profession. Beyond his career, Bernie embraced life’s adventures. He was an avid skier, loved hiking the trails of Jackson Hole, and practiced yoga faithfully. He also enjoyed participating in cardiac rehab, always keeping active and vibrant. He was eager to lend a hand, and he found great joy in helping his daughter Elaine with her balloon business. Above all else, the most important thing to Bernie was his family. He was a devoted, adoring husband to his beloved wife, Rita Leff, who preceded him in death and whom he loved and admired deeply. As a father, he cherished spending time with his kids, teaching them life’s lessons, and passing down his love for adventure and service. Bernie was the loving father of Dr. Louis (Susan) Leff, Debbie (Jim) Dutton, Dr. David (Sheri) Leff, Elaine (Kenny) Leff-Washington, and Dr. Ben Leff. He was the exceptionally proud grandfather of Mara (Matt) Koperwas, Sam (Grace) Leff, Rachel (Dan) Verheul, Dr. Phillip (Macy) Leff, Georgia Dutton, Jason and Danielle Leff; and the dotting great-grandfather of Robbie Koperwas and Lily Verheul. Bernie’s legacy of warmth, compassion and positivity lives on in the countless lives he touched and the family he cherished above all else. Friends may meet at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, at 12 noon and then proceed to Homewood Cemetery for 1 p.m. graveside services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wilmer Eye Institute for the work of Neil Bressler, MD. Online contributions can be made at secure.jhu.edu/form/wilmer or sent to 600 N. Wolfe Street, Wilmer 112, Baltimore, MD 21287. schugar.com PJC
comments