Bernard Maslovitz

Dr. Bernard Maslovitz, 57, of Willis, TX, died April 23, 2010 at his residence. He was born on November 3, 1952, the youngest son of Samuel and Goldye Maslovitz. Survivors include his wife of 31 years Avis, nee Graff, who he wed on July 16, 1978 in Chicago, sister Rochelle Jaffe (husband Robert Steinhaus), brother David (wife Anne), nephews Jeremy and Keith, niece Marie, mother-in-law Ruth Graff, several aunts and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. He graduated from Niles West High School, Skokie, IL in 1970 and from Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL in 1973. In 1975, he received a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, and in 1979 he obtained a Doctor of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO). He was licensed in Therapeutic Optometry and as an Optometric Glaucoma Specialist in 1993. He was employed by the University of Houston, College of Optometry, as a Clinical Associate Professor in the area of Public Health for a total of 20 years starting in 1979, initially full-time and then part-time. He was a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry, and while at the University of Houston, the American Academy of Optometry awarded him, as a co-recipient, the Garland Clay Award for outstanding clinical research. He has been in private practice part-time and then full-time for the past 25 years, most recently at J. C. Penney’s in The Woodlands Mall, The Woodlands, TX. Dr. Maslovitz’s practice locations included Northline Mall near Montgomery Ward’s, Northwest Mall near J.C. Penney’s, Northwest Freeway near Target, and Texas State Optical in Pasadena before relocating to The Woodlands after he and his wife lost their Houston home to the Tropical Storm Allison in 2001. Dr. Maslovitz was a gifted Clinical Optometrist, who was much loved by his patients, and had numerous patients who drove up from his former practices in Pasadena and Houston to see him for their vision care. He was a member of The Woodlands Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce. He was a founding member, active for 30 years, of the Vision Care Section of the American Public Health Association, where he held numerous offices including past Chairperson and Section Voting member to the APHA Governing Counsel. He co-authored a chapter on International Optometry in a Public Health Optometry text book. Dr. Maslovitz was an active volunteer in Public Health Vision Care services locally, nationally, and internationally for over 30 years, including numerous missions to Mexico. While at PCO, he was a participant in Student Optometric Services to Haiti. Most recently, he was one of the Gift of Sight providers, sponsored by The Woodlands Lion’s Club, for the benefit of the indigent school children of Montgomery County. “Doc Bernie” was known for his love of local musicians and their live music here in Montgomery County and in Houston. He also greatly enjoyed jet-skiing from their water-front home on Lake Conroe. Visitation will be held at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, 10129 FM 1097 W, Willis, TX on Sunday, May 2, 2010 from 2 to 4 pm, with a Celebration of Life Service at 4 pm. His remains were cremated. Memorial contributions may be made to The Woodlands Lions Club at P.O. Box 7592, The Woodlands, TX 77387 or to Salus University, Attn. Pennsylvania College of Optometry, 8360 Old York Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027. The funeral home, Sam Houston Memorial Funeral in Willis, is taking care of arrangements. You may leave a written condolence on our website at www.shmfh.com.

Bernard Maslovitz

November 3, 1952 - May 2, 2010