Michael Augustine Bergin, III

Born in Manhattan, New York, at Lenox Hill Hospital on April 28, 1968, Mike was a proud Bronx native. Though he eventually made his roots in Texas, his love for New York never stopped.

In 1984 Mike became an official Texan, moving to Austin with his aunt and uncle, Victoria and Robert Bergin. They would become his surrogate parents. He attended Stephen F. Austin High School, graduating in 1986.

Mike attended St. Mary’s University, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and formed lifelong friendships. He graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Though he probably would have made an excellent lawyer or architect, his heart was in media. His first job was at KENS-5 in San Antonio as an associate news producer. In 1992 he moved back to Austin to work at KXAN-36 as a producer, reporter, and anchor. He liked to tell the story of how the station received multiple complaints his first night on the anchor desk, all asking why they hired a Yankee. Mike was immediately sent to speech therapy to get rid of his New York accent.

Later, Mike would work as a news producer at KSAT-12 in San Antonio. In 1996, Mike became executive news director at WTVR-6 in Richmond, Virginia. Family always came first to Mike, and he found his way back to Texas. In 1998, he became an executive producer for TXN, a state-wide news network. It was here he met and fell in love with Alison Sutton. Their versions of how they met would differ over the years, but both end with an engagement on top of the Empire State Building, made even more special because Mike’s grandfather was the superintendent of construction for the building, a fact Mike was very proud of.

Mike and Alison were married on April 22, 2000, and immediately wanted to start a family. Their daughter, Haley Rose, was born prematurely on Oct. 5, 2001, and only survived a week. This tragic event made their marriage even stronger. On Sept. 24, 2002, William Michael also came into the world early, but Mike’s and Alison’s love and determination helped him grow and thrive. Four years later, on March 31, 2007, Austin Sutton and Braden “Brady” Harms would complete the family.

Mike became a leader in communications, working in various roles at USAA for 19 years, where he adopted one of his favorite mottos – “Do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.” After leaving USAA, Mike worked as a director at Harland Clarke and WellMed Medical Management. Throughout his career, he received two Emmy Awards, two Telly awards, and multiple USAA awards, including the Ambassador Award, Shadow of a Leader Award, and Innovation Award. Mike was twice named the USAA Volunteer of the Year for corporate communications and was most proud of a U.S. Patent Award given in 2020.

Mike’s greatest job title was Dad to his three sons and head of Kappa Kappa Bergin. His coworkers and friends were forced to hear daily stories of his family. Baylor Dad, Baseball Dad, and Football Dad were his best roles. His wardrobe was made up mostly of Alamo Heights and Baylor gear, and he was proud. He never missed a game or event, and his favorite weekends were spent cheering in the stands. He also loved traveling with his family. Favorite memories include car rides to Disney World, cruises with the Sutton family, Mohonk Mountain House in New York with the Bergin family, and weekends in Rockport.

Mike’s dream came true five months ago when he was named Chief Marketing Officer for Morgan’s Inclusion Initiative. Everyone at Morgan’s quickly became his family, and he loved being in a place with incredible purpose.

Mike is survived by wife Alison, sons Will, Austin and Brady; sister Alicia Bergin, brother Christopher Bergin (Sarah) and nephews Evan, Tyler and Riley; aunt and uncle, Robert “Popop” and Victoria “Nana” Bergin, cousins Dr. Barbara Bergin (Paul Nader) and Bob Bergin (Patti) and their children Wallis and Matt Nader and Tyler and Katie Bergin; in-laws, Bill “Papa” and Debbie “Honey” Sutton, who affectionately called him Prince Michael; and brothers-in-law Chris Sutton (Cyndy) and Darren Sutton (Curry), and nephew and niece Chance and Caralyn Sutton; aunt and uncle Edward and Carol Reilly and cousin Ed, who he considered a brother. He also leaves behind three cats he barely tolerated, his good boy Parker and puppy Dolly, who everyone knows was his favorite.

Mike will be missed by the many friends that he called his chosen family.

He is preceded in death by his father, Michael Augustine Bergin II, who he never stopped missing, daughter Haley Rose, and best friend Rosenda Rios Burns, who he is probably having margaritas with now.

He told his family members this phrase many times, and now it’s our turn to tell him – We love you to the moon and back. To the moon and back.

There will be a celebration of life for Mike at the Multi-Assistance Center (MAC) at Morgan’s Wonderland, 5210 Thousand Oaks Drive, on Sunday, November 27 at 1 p.m., and family will receive friends at Mike’s favorite spot, the Alamo Heights Little League Fields, 50 Alamo Heights Blvd., from 3 – 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mike’s favorite charities: Morgan’s Inclusion Initiative at Morgan’s Wonderland, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Boysville Inc., and Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas.

Interested parties may contribute to the Bergin Boys College Fund in care of Lone Star Capital Bank 150 North Loop 1604 San Antonio, Texas 78232.