Obituary of Willard Bergman, Sr.

Willard "Bill" Bergman, Sr. passed away peacefully with family at his side on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Merry Heart Nursing Home in Succasunna. He was 96. He was born in Madison, NJ, lived much of his early life in Morristown before moving to Mendham in 1945. He attended Morristown High School. Mr. Bergman served in the Army Infantry during WWII participating in the North African Campaign, the invasion of Sicily, took part in the Anzio Beach Invasion in Italy and fought into southern France and across the Rhine River into Germany. He received numerous decorations during his service including the Bronze Star for bravery and Legion of Merit. Mr. Bergman was an extremely avid fisherman, devoted community servant, a baseball player and avid fan, a little league coach and a talented wood worker. He and his wife Betty were happiest spectating their childrens' and local sports events, traveling to many warm places with friends, camping at Triplebrook and bird watching in their backyard. Most of all our Dad enjoyed doing everything that needed or was available to do with the family. He was a manager in the Service Department at C&C Oldsmobile in Madison for 5 years before retiring in 1992. He was previously employed at Guenther Motors in Mendham, Hill Chevrolet in Peapack/Gladstone and Downs Motors in Morristown. He was a volunteer Fireman with the Mendham Independent Hook and Ladder Co. for 64 years. Mr. Bergman was the longest serving volunteer fireman in the history of the Company. He was a longtime member of the Hilltop Presbyterian Church and the Mendham Pastime Club. He was predeceased by his 6 siblings. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Elizabeth"Betty" Newton Bergman, two sons, Willard Bergman, Jr. of Flanders and Bruce Bergman of Independence; one daughter, Jane Bergman of Chester Twp., his 5 beloved grandchildren Thomas Bergman, Kimberly Barrineau, Jennifer Webb, Dennis Bergman and Marc Bergman; 7 great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 from 4-8 at the Bailey Funeral Home, Hilltop Road, Mendham. Funeral services on Thursday, September 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hilltop Presbyterian Church, Mendham. Interment at Hilltop Cemetery, Mendham. In lieu of flowers, donations to either Hilltop Presbyterian Church or Mendham Volunteer Fire Company.