Steve Bernstein, founder, owner and chef of Bernstein’s Fine Catering — a mainstay of Dayton’s general and Jewish communities — died Thursday night, June 23. He was 73.

“Steve passed away unexpectedly yesterday evening,” Bernstein’s Fine Catering Co-Owner/Chef Adam Baumgarten wrote in a community email on Friday morning. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Marti, Steve’s wife, and their son, Mike.”

“If you have an order or event already scheduled, business will continue,” Adam added. “I know it would be Steve’s wish for us to continue even through this difficult time.”

A native of Queens, N.Y., Bernstein started his catering business and the Uptown Deli restaurant at Randolph Plaza in Clayton in 1988. Before that, he had worked in the hospitality industry, including in the food service departments of The University of New Mexico and The University of Dayton.

He eventually transitioned out of the restaurant business to concentrate on catering when it proved more profitable; Bernstein also sold kosher groceries at the Clayton storefront during the years when kosher items were difficult to find in the Dayton area.

In 2011, he and Baumgarten moved the catering business to its current West Carrollton facility, doubling its square footage. Bernstein also handled the lion’s share of kosher catering in the Dayton area, preparing meals in Jewish community kosher kitchens.

Bernstein’s also began managing operations for Leo’s Bistro at The Dayton Art Institute last year.

A memorial service will be held for Bernstein on Sunday, July 10 at 2 p.m. at Temple Beth Or. He will be interred in Albuquerque, N.M.