Neal Gerald Bornstein, M. D. age 78, of Lakeville, MA passed away Friday, February 28, 2025 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Venice, FL. He was the loving husband of Phyllis Anne (Menkes) Bornstein, with whom he shared fifty-two years of marriage. 

Born in Lynn, MA he was the son of the late Harold and Rose (Rosenberg) Bornstein.  

An Eagle Scout, Neal graduated from Swampscott High School in 1964. He then enlisted in ROTC while earning his bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College. After graduating in 1968, he embarked on his medical career at Duke University Medical School. 

Upon completing medical school, Neal married Phyllis Anne Menkes on May 28, 1972. Subsequently, he started his pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Once residency was completed in 1974, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving actively as a pediatrician at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. After finishing his service in 1977, Dr. Bornstein and his family moved to Lakeville, Massachusetts to establish his medical practice, Middleboro Pediatrics. He became a beloved pediatrician in the community, serving multiple generations of families, while also actively participating in various medical and pediatric organizations and initiatives. He always remained proud of the growth and achievements of Middleboro Pediatrics, from which he retired in 2013.

Neal was a longtime and active member of Tifereth Israel Congregation in New Bedford. In his free time he was an avid photographer, who was particularly fond of capturing moments with his grandchildren and nature. He also enjoyed scuba diving and the freedom of RV camping. A genuinely curious soul, he cherished the opportunity to experience and learn new things throughout his life. He particularly enjoyed and appreciated his interactions with friends, family, patients, and their families. 

In addition to his wife Phyllis, he is survived by his daughter Deborah Hickey, her husband Brad Hickey and their two daughters Rachel and Charlotte of Walpole, MA; his son Aaron Bornstein, MD, his wife Ilisabeth Bornstein and their two children Madeleine and Jonah Bornstein of Easton, MA and his sister Norma Rooks of Peabody, MA. 

His funeral service will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 10:30 am at Tifereth Israel Congregation, 145 Brownell Avenue, New Bedford. Burial will follow in Plainville Cemetery, New Bedford.

Those unable to attend may join via livestream at https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87346925130?pwd=75klmX5W57ES9pHzMQrhRrnO3aqlfU.1__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!PpI0K1Dd--A-eXWb8O9CqzE_qrqOXb4TSknQIpM0C90mW8AuOw9MawKu_CtSEQ_rL8Id0JXlKVW24PNxCIvQ8hipuXeZzg$

Shiva will be observed at Phyllis Bornstein’s residence on Thursday 3/6 immediately following services until 7:00 PM, Friday 3/7 from 2:00 to 4:00, Saturday 3/8 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM and Sunday 3/9 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to: Tifereth Israel, 145 Brownell Ave., New Bedford, MA 02740 or American Academy of Pediatrics Friends of Children Fund, AAP Development, P.O. Box 7525, Carol Stream, IL 60197 or a charity of one’s choice.