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Celebrating the life of
Gerard James Bergen
July 08, 1942 - December 19, 2019
Gerard “Jerry” James Bergen, 77, died Thursday, December 19, 2019 at the Spanish Oaks Hospice in Savannah following a brave battle with Alzheimer’s. He was surrounded by his loving family.
He leaves his wife of 50 years, Joyce (Thompson) Bergen and three sons and their families: Christopher Bergen and his wife, Amanda, of Charlotte, NC; Joseph Bergen and his wife, Casey, currently of Shanghai, China; Patrick Bergen and his wife, Christie, of Savannah, GA; as well as six loving grandchildren: Alexander, Catherine, Marissa, Zachary, Ellie, and Brooklyn. Several cousins also survive him.
Mr. Bergen was born in “the South”: South Brooklyn. He was raised in Waterbury, Connecticut, the only child of George and Margaret (Duffy) Bergen. Through his work he had the opportunity to live all over the world. One final request was to be left at the local airport with a tag indicating his next assignment.
After graduating from Sacred Heart High School in 1960, he attended Fairfield University, graduating in 1964 with a bachelor's degree in Economics. He earned his Master of Arts in Economics from University of Connecticut in 1966. He met his wife, Joyce Thompson, in 1966 while stationed with US Army at Ft. Benjamin Harris Indianapolis for finance training. Mr. Bergen served his country honorably in the US Army Finance Corps during the Vietnam War including a tour of duty in Vietnam. Among his many military accomplishments, Mr. Bergen earned the rank of First Lieutenant and a first-place performance award from the US Army Infantry School.
Following an honorable discharge, Jerry and Joyce were married on June 14, 1969 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Indianapolis. After serving with the Army, Mr. Bergen had the opportunity to work for General Food Corporation White Plains, NY in 1969. As General Foods evolved over the decades, the Bergen family had the opportunity to live in Brazil, Germany, France, Mexico, and Costa Rica before Mr. Bergen’s retirement in 2002.
One of Mr. Bergen’s true loves was retirement. After decades of travel, the Bergen family resided on Hilton Head Island in Palmetto Dunes where Jerry was a local favorite for sporting European swimwear.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Skidaway Island United Methodist Church in Savannah. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made into your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.
Casey and Joe, my heart is with you and your family as you remember your dad.
- Bonnie Fowler, Virginia Beach, VA
Patrick, Christie and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am sorry for your loss.
- Jan Norton, Rincon, GA
To all the Bergens, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Jerry only a handful of times, but he was warm, funny, and so handy. Wishing you all lots of love and peace this season.
- Jessica Lanham Wilkerson , Richmond, VA
You have our deepest sympathy praying for all of you if we can help let us know. P.S. Liam will look cute as a button in that christmas outfit.thanks a bunch aunt joyce.
- Levi,Ashley,kaitlin,Ethan,Liam. Eller, Monticello, Ky
Joyce, Christopher, Joseph, and Patrick, my deepest sympathy on the passing of Jerry. Jerry was kind, generous, had a keen sense of humor, and was a avid reader who loved history. I will always remember him as the husband that got up early and made breakfast for the boys so Joyce could rest, the brother in-law who took breakfast orders then treated visiting family the next day to eggs, waffles, and a smile, the son in-law who painted the steeply angled metal roof of Granny's house (that took courage), and the father who nourished three fine sons, all with his intelligence, humor, faith, and devotion to family.
- , ,
Joyce and family, though I haven't seen you in so long, I still have fond memories of Jerry, you, and the boys in Brazil. Jerry always sent Kibom ice cream to school for celebrations and came out on our sixth grade camp out. Chapel School would not have been the same without the whole Bergen family. He was a great dad and friend. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. I send my condolences and love to you all. Debbie Crane Carretta & family
- Debbie Crane Carretta, Tallahassee, FL
Chris, Amanda, Alex & Cat, Our hearts go out to you and the Bergen Family during this difficult time. May God hold you and keep you close as you navigate this very emotional time. I know Mr. Bergen is now young and well and with our Lord, Jesus Christ. We are here for you should you need anything. You remain in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Much love, Bob & Pam
- Bob & Pam Steele, Charlotte , NC
We are truly sorry for you families loss. We never were able to meet Jerry, but he sounds like a very special man. Our heart aches for your family at this time. Phil and I will keep your family close in prayer. Sincerely, Philip and Susan Thompson
- Susan Fisher-thompson, North Canton, Ohio
Joyce and family, I am so sorry to hear about Jerry's passing. Although we were not around that much to really get to know him, the time we did get to meet him and visit with him, we were both impressed and liked him very much. All the miles between us have kept us from visiting but just want you to know I think of you and always enjoyed getting your Christmas card each year. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
- Lexie and Jerry Huff, Vacaville, CA
Casey and Joe, my heart is with you and your family as you remember your dad.
- Bonnie Fowler, Virginia Beach, VA
Patrick, Christie and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am sorry for your loss.
- Jan Norton, Rincon, GA
To all the Bergens, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Jerry only a handful of times, but he was warm, funny, and so handy. Wishing you all lots of love and peace this season.
- Jessica Lanham Wilkerson , Richmond, VA
A candle has been lit!
- Patrick Bergen , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- Sherry Hall , Flo
You have our deepest sympathy praying for all of you if we can help let us know. P.S. Liam will look cute as a button in that christmas outfit.thanks a bunch aunt joyce.
- Levi,Ashley,kaitlin,Ethan,Liam. Eller, Monticello, Ky
Joyce, Christopher, Joseph, and Patrick, my deepest sympathy on the passing of Jerry. Jerry was kind, generous, had a keen sense of humor, and was a avid reader who loved history. I will always remember him as the husband that got up early and made breakfast for the boys so Joyce could rest, the brother in-law who took breakfast orders then treated visiting family the next day to eggs, waffles, and a smile, the son in-law who painted the steeply angled metal roof of Granny's house (that took courage), and the father who nourished three fine sons, all with his intelligence, humor, faith, and devotion to family.
- , ,
Joyce and family, though I haven't seen you in so long, I still have fond memories of Jerry, you, and the boys in Brazil. Jerry always sent Kibom ice cream to school for celebrations and came out on our sixth grade camp out. Chapel School would not have been the same without the whole Bergen family. He was a great dad and friend. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. I send my condolences and love to you all. Debbie Crane Carretta & family
- Debbie Crane Carretta, Tallahassee, FL
Chris, Amanda, Alex & Cat, Our hearts go out to you and the Bergen Family during this difficult time. May God hold you and keep you close as you navigate this very emotional time. I know Mr. Bergen is now young and well and with our Lord, Jesus Christ. We are here for you should you need anything. You remain in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Much love, Bob & Pam
- Bob & Pam Steele, Charlotte , NC
A candle has been lit!
- Joseph G Bergen , Virg
A candle has been lit!
- Joseph G Bergen , Virg
We are truly sorry for you families loss. We never were able to meet Jerry, but he sounds like a very special man. Our heart aches for your family at this time. Phil and I will keep your family close in prayer. Sincerely, Philip and Susan Thompson
- Susan Fisher-thompson, North Canton, Ohio
Joyce and family, I am so sorry to hear about Jerry's passing. Although we were not around that much to really get to know him, the time we did get to meet him and visit with him, we were both impressed and liked him very much. All the miles between us have kept us from visiting but just want you to know I think of you and always enjoyed getting your Christmas card each year. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
- Lexie and Jerry Huff, Vacaville, CA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 2:00pm on Sat, December 28, 2019
- Skidaway Island Methodist Church
-
54 Diamond Causeway (map)
Savannah GA 31411 - 912-598-8460