John E. Berggren

John Elgin Berggren, 91, of South Bedford Street, Bedford, died Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at his residence.  He was born on August 10, 1919, in Sutersville, a son, of the late John and Mary (McDermmott) Berggren.  On Janurary 18, 1939 in Clairton, he married Eleanor Felicetty and she survives along with the following family, five daughters; Eleanor Denz of Whiting, N.J., Ruth, wife of  Donald Chiappetta of Holland,  Judith, wife of Michael Carovillano of Delray Beach, FL, Janet Berggren, of Bedford, and Patricia, wife of Louis Pearce of Bedford, one son, Thomas, married to the former Sandra Spiker of South Park, 22 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, one niece, Patricia Bergwall, of Far Hills, NJ, and four great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by one son, William Albert Berggren, one daughter, Mary Rose Thornton, two brothers:  Charles L. and Thomas Edward Berggren, one sister, Margaret and two infant brothers.

John retired in 1979 after 40 years working as a conductor on the Union Railroad for U.S. Steel in Clairton.  He was a 1937 Graduate of Clairton High School, a member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church and The Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed watching Notre Dame Football and returning to Clairton to reconnect with his friends at class reunions.  He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great grandfather, his presence in our lives will be greatly missed.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 8, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., at the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Bedford with the Father Donald Dusza Celebrant.  Burial on Saturday at West Newton Cemetery.  Friends will be received on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford.  Those wishing can make contributions in John’s name to Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Ave, Windber, PA 15963. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.