In Loving Memory of Gerald “Jerry” Dennis Bergman

October 13, 1944 – July 5, 2025

Gerald Dennis Bergman — known to most as Jerry — lived a life that can only be described as a

great story. On July 5th, 2025, with his daughters by his side, Jerry peacefully left this world to

be reunited with his beloved wife Mary and son-in-law Ryan, along with other close friends and

family.  And though he is no longer with us, the story he lived will continue on  in every life he

touched and every lesson he passed on.

Born on October 13, 1944, in Circleville, NY,  Jerry spent his childhood growing his sense of 

curiosity and community through the 4H Club, Circleville Church, fishing with his Dad, becoming

a car enthusiast and spending time at the beach with friends. He then proudly, and honorably,

served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He carried with him a camera, launching his

lifelong love of capturing the spirit of the people and places he connected with along all his

journeys.  

Jerry’s love story with Mary started before Korea and really took off after his return.  Married

for nearly 52 years, they were true partners — in family,  travel,  laughter, and in love. Her

passing in 2021 left an immeasurable hole in his heart, but he carried her with him every day

until he could once again hold her hand.

After the Army, Jerry pursued his passion for building and problem-solving, earning a degree in

civil engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Known for his professionalism,

precision, and unwavering dedication, Jerry was a respected presence on every job site, earning

admiration from colleagues and clients alike.

But while engineering may have been his profession, living was his true calling. After moving to

Texas his job with Aramco took our family to Saudi Arabia for three years — a season that

sparked a lifetime of global adventures and unforgettable memories for our entire family. His

passport may have been stamped in dozens of countries, but it was his sense of wonder and joy

in discovering the world that left the most lasting impression. He taught us, and later his

grandchildren, that life was meant to be explored with courage, kindness, and curiosity.

To his daughters, Jerry was a steady rock, a wise guide, and the definition of unconditional love.

There wasn’t a single day in their lives that he didn’t show up for them — with a story, a hug, a

helping hand, or simply the comforting certainty that he was always in their corner. His support,

however, stretched way beyond his family. He was a man of boundless warmth and quiet

generosity. Whether volunteering, serving on charity boards, or simply showing up when help

was needed, he believed it was right to give back. He led not with words, but with actions,

setting an example of service, humility, and compassion for all who knew him.

To his grandchildren — Hugo, Grace, Colten, and Merritt — he was more than just “Papa.” He

was a playmate, a storyteller, a cheerleader, and a fountain of hugs and high-fives. His eyes lit

up every time they were together. They were among the greatest joys of his life. 

Jerry had the rare ability to make everyone feel like a friend. Whether traveling across the globe

or having a beer after a round of golf, he carried himself like a man who belonged anywhere —

and he often did. He was, as his family joked, “like the mayor” — shaking hands, remembering

names, and leaving smiles in his wake.He leaves behind a legacy not just of accomplishments,

but of impact. Of kindness lived out, wisdom shared freely, and love that reached across

generations. He taught us how to show up, how to listen, how to laugh, and most of all — how

to live a great story.

Though we mourn the space he leaves behind, we celebrate the remarkable life he led and the

enduring light he leaves in all of us.

Jerry is survived by his oldest daughter Jennifer Levesque, his youngest daughter Rory Lawrence

and her husband Mark, his brother Bruce Bergman, and his brother-in-law Gene Sigler and wife

Phylis along with nieces and nephew Renee, Rebecca and Aaron. He was predeceased by his

parents Myrtle and Clarence Bergman, his in-laws Mildred and Raymond Sigler and his son-in-

law Ryan Levesque. However, his greatest joys in life were her grandchildren Grace, Hugo,

Colten and Merritt.

Until we meet again, Dad — we’ll carry your love, your stories, and your adventurous spirit with

us… through the years.

Live a great story. Jerry sure did.

A Celebration of Jerry's life will be held on Saturday, September 20th, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to

4:00 p.m. at the Middletown Elks Club- 48 Prospect St, Middletown, NY 10940. Please wear

bright colors (or your favorite golf shirt!) to celebrate the bright life and energy he gave to all of

us. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to David’s Refuge- an organization very

dear to our family’s heart. All checks should be made out to David’s Refuge with “in honor of

Jerry Bergman” noted in the memo. Please mail to 5800 Heritage Landing Drive, East Syracuse,

NY 13057. Donations can also be made online at https://www.davidsrefuge.org/. Please mark

Jerry Bergman in the “in memory of” section.