Bernie Rubin, Of Bernie And Phyl’s Furniture, Dies Of Coronavirus

BOSTON — Bernie Rubin, the co-founder of Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture, has died from the new coronavirus, according to a statement from his family. He was 82 years old.

Rubin and his wife Phyllis opened the New England furniture chain — known for the ubiquitous commercial jingle "Quality, comfort and price: That's nice!" — in 1983 in Quincy. He died Monday in Florida, according to the statement.

"He was kind, hard-working, fair and, above all, loved his family — which included his entire extended Bernie & Phyl’s family," the Rubin family said.

The furniture chain is based in Norton and has nine stores in New England, including Braintree, Hyannis, Natick, Raynham, Saugus and Westborough. There are stores in Nashua and Newington in New Hampshire and one in South Portland, Maine.

Rubin was born in December 1937 and leaves behind Phyllis, to whom he was married 61 years, and his children Larry, Rob and Michelle, according to the statement. All three went into the family business. He had 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

"Bernie was very philanthropic and loved giving back to the community," his family said. "Over the years, he supported many charitable organizations across New England including the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Boys & Girls Clubs, the Home for Little Wanderers, Bridgewell, and the Pine Street Inn."

The family also said, "In many ways, Bernie was larger than life ... He touched the lives of countless people with his warmth, charm, wit, charisma, and generosity. Everyone who met Bernie loved him, and he will be greatly missed."

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