Russell Francis Bergin

Russell Francis Bergin passed away on October 23, 2025. He lived 91 years. Russ was born in Cranston, Rhode Island into a family of nine children where you were expected to begin your first job at 5 years old. When he was 16, with a date altered birth certificate, Russ enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and reported to Paris Island, South Carolina. He proudly served his country in the Korean War in the First Marine Corps Division. His Marine Corps enlistment was the first time he saw his country outside the Northeast and the first time he left the United States to see the World. This experience began his lifelong love of travel, both at home and abroad.

In 1962 he met and married Eileen Perner in Chicago, Illinois. They were married for 62 years and have five children, each born in a different state. Throughout their marriage, Russ and Eileen raised their family in Illinois, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina and Florida. In 1980, Russ and Eileen moved their family to Central Florida. Russ and Eileen raised a tightknit family and even though they moved often throughout their children’s childhood, Russ’ wife and children all still currently reside within 20 miles of each other in Central Florida. The bond of love Russ and Eileen formed with their children has kept them all close. Even though Russ’ formal educational opportunities ended with his enlistment in the Marine Corps as a young teenager, Russ and Eileen sacrificed significantly to ensure their children and grandchildren had every opportunity to advance their education.

Russ and Eileen owned and operated many businesses, including construction companies and restaurants. In 1984, Russ founded the Central Florida Commercial Millwork and Cabinet Company, SMI, which thrives today. Russ relished traveling and spending time with his family and friends at his second home on the St. Croix River in Maine. He greatly enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s many activities. Russ also loved spending time with his many siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was a lifelong dog lover and his cocker spaniel Chelsea was his most recent favorite.

Russ is survived by his wife of 62 years, Eileen Bergin; his children, Russell Bergin (Kim), Bill Bergin (Gary Ingram), Theresa “Teri” Bergin, and Michelle Hull (Rob), and was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Deborah Bergin, who was married to Andrew Seferlis.

Russ has twelve grandchildren. They included Erin, Gloria, Chloe, Natalie, Alexandra, Ugo, Connor, Christopher, Daniel, Ryan, Bradley and Nicholas. He was predeceased by his parents, James Leo and Ida Bergin. He was their last surviving child and was predeceased by his brothers, William, James, Donald, Harry, David, Dennis and Gerald, as well as his sister, Joyce.

A visitation will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, located at 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734, on October 30, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service is scheduled for October 31, 2025, from 10:45 am to 12:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church, located at 5125 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32819.

A committal service will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734, on October 31, 2025, starting at 12:30 pm.