In Memoriam: Bernice Ash, Sam Ash Music

Bernice Ash, wife of former chairman of Sam Ash Music, Jerry Ash, has passed away. She was 90.

Bernice and Jerry Ash were married for 72 years, and she is the mother of current Sam Ash Music COO Sammy Ash, President and CEO Richard Ash, and Co-CEO and General Counsel David Ash. Bernice began working at Sam Ash Music in New York in 1947, one year before marrying founder Sam Ash’s eldest son Jerry.

Bernice created and ran Sam Ash Music’s sheet music departments — one of the most profitable departments the store — over 55 years ago. Bernice handled all purchasing and restocking and was widely recognized for pioneering the modern sheet music department. Under her supervision, sheet music volume quintupled.

“She went to work at the sheet music counter dispensing books to a wide range of music teachers,” said Jerry Ash. “Although she did not read music, she caught on to what music teachers used and in what sequence. Soon she was giving advice to rookie music teachers.”

Besides Jerry and her three sons, Bernice leaves behind nine grandchildren, including five grandsons who Jerry Ash said are her legacy “to run the Sam Ash Music stores” which span 47 stores across the country.