John E Bergmann

His beloved wife of 55 years, Joan, his loving children, John Bergmann Jr and his wife Diana, Cynthia Bergmann and Craig Bergmann and his wife Angel survive him. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Emily, Jonathan and his wife Stassa, Ian, Erin and Logan, his precious great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Penelope and Foster, his sister-in-law Roberta Rettig, his niece Kacie Rettig and his nephew Matthew Rettig.

John was born in Harrison, NJ to Louis and Catherine Bergmann on January 15, 1932. He graduated from Harrison High School where he was captain of the Varsity Football team.

John joined the Marine Corps at 18 where he served for 3 years before being honorably discharged. He was awarded the Purple Heart while in combat during the Korean War. After returning home, he began working in grocery foods and opened his own Dojo to teach and practice Judo in Hazlet, NJ. John then started working for Star-Kist and climbed the ladder to eventually become the East Regional Sales Manager for Heinz Foods, retiring in 1990. He was member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and was a lifelong New York Giants fan.

John was an avid racquetball player, winning many tournaments including a State Championship. He and Joan also participated in Equestrian sports. John was competitive and very successful in all that he undertook.

He was a loving, caring, and thoughtful man who never shied away from expressing what he thought or how he felt. He truly had a way of sharing and teaching, whether it be his love, his opinions, or his seemingly endless knowledge. Above all else, John’s greatest joy in life was his children and his grandchildren. It was his hope that they continue to share his love of life. He lived for their successes in their lives.

His family will always remember his positive outlook. He will be greatly missed by all.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, May 18, 2021 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Dr., Manahawkin, NJ. A funeral home service will be held from 11:30-12:00 on Wednesday, May 19, with burial to follow at Brig. General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Provinceline Rd. Wrightstown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be sent to Popcorn Park Zoo (see link below).

To leave online condolences and fond memories of John for the Bergmann family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com