He was born in Manchester, NH on August 15, 1928 to Alexander and Dianna (Boisvert) Bergevin. He and his family resided in Concord, NH for a number of years.
Al attended Parochial schools, graduating from Sacred Heart High School in Concord.
He learned the professional skills of hair barbering from his father and partner Art Cummings, often cutting the hair of notable NH State House representatives at the Park Street barber shop adjacent to the NH State House. His interest turned to the sport of boxing. Art Cummings encouraged and coached him to box in the New England Golden Gloves amateur league. This organization promoted pugilist competitors over the years including boxing greats, such as Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler. Al boxed throughout New England and New York to defeating all challengers in the Bantam class of boxing and earned New England and East Coast championship status.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army serving with post-WWII Occupational Forces in Okinawa, Japan and Eder Oberstein, Germany. He qualified to be selected for All-Army boxing, again, undefeated in his matches. After a short separation from military service, he enlisted and served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He then reenlisted in the U.S. Army to serve through the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War, north of Saigon, as a Supply Depot Sergeant, E6. His military career completed, after 20-years of service to our country.
Returning from the armed services, he relocated to Keene. Al worked at Schliegler & Schuell Company, and then at Troy Mills for more than twenty years until his retirement. He was an avid hunter and especially loved fishing. He became reputable breeder of field trial beagles. Many of his dogs became field champions siring of many generations of hunting dogs throughout New England. His last champion beagle named Moe Bandy lived as his dear companion until its death.
Al married Bertha (Kivela) Frost of Troy, NH on December 26, 1976, as she was the one woman who enjoyed all his interests, particularly fishing. He was thrilled with her exceptional cooking and good humor and Finnish traditions. They enjoyed 27-years of love and friendship. His beloved Bertha passed away in 2003.
He was a member in good-standing of the Dailey-Whipple VFW Post # 799 and the American Legion Post #4, and a past member of the AKC - Eastern Massachusetts Beagle Club.
Mr. Bergevin is survived by his sister Doris “Dottie” Carlson of Concord, NH; sister-in-law Betty Bergevin of Westmoreland; brother-in-law Joe Chabot of Keene; step-daughter-in-law Shirley Lane Frost Stratham, NH; and a step-grandson Shawn Frost of Albany, NY. Al had no children of his own and enjoyed his many nephews: Robert Bergevin, Surry, Richard Hall, Keene, Brian and Darrel Carlson of Concord, Daniel Kivela, Troy, Thomas Kivela, Lincoln, DE, Bill Conant, Quincy, MA; nieces Carol Hill, Venice, Florida, Suzanne MacPhail, Winchester, Brenda Constant and Cathy Carlson of Concord. Joanne Lansdon, Karen Frowein of Troy and Linda Kivela, Peterborough. There are numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and friends, all cherished over his lifetime never to be forgotten. His sister Sylvia Chabot, brothers Chester “Chet” and William Bergevin died earlier and step-son Donald L. Frost, Jr., also predeceased him.
In keeping with Al’s wishes, no calling hours will be held. Interment services will be held rain or shine for a gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life with U.S. Military Honors at Mountain View Cemetery, Old Homestead Highway (Route 32), Swanzey Center, on Friday October 12th at 1 o’clock in the afternoon.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers that memorial donations may be made in his name to the Maplewood Nursing Home, 201 River Road, Westmoreland, NH 03467.
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