Donald Luroy Bergman — known to everyone who loved him simply as Don, passed away on June 1, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on Christmas Day, 1937, in Peoria, Illinois, Don lived a life defined by purpose, devotion to family, and an instinct to serve that never wavered.
Shortly after high school, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving proudly for four years, a foundation that shaped his lifelong discipline, loyalty, and commitment to community.
He went on to build a distinguished 35-year career with Sears and Roebuck, ultimately serving as Regional Store Manager in Merced, California, during the final phase of his career, before retiring in 1994. But retirement was never really in Don’s nature. He soon found his next calling in public service, serving on the Merced City Council for four years, and later as President of the Merced Chamber of Commerce. He also founded Make Someone Happy, a nonprofit food pantry truck making fresh produce more affordable and accessible to underserved members of the Merced community, and remained actively involved with CASA, UC Merced, and numerous community organizations throughout his later years.
As a father, Don was present for everything and never just a spectator. He coached, organized, and led, including serving as President of the local softball association where his daughters played. For more than 30 years, he brought his family and countless dear friends to Lake Powell, his happiest place on earth, creating memories and bonds that have lasted a lifetime.
In 2007, Don married Nancy Young-Bergman, and together they embraced years of travel, adventure, and deep companionship that brought him tremendous joy.
Don is survived by his beloved wife Nancy Young-Bergman; his children Beth Kavoukas (Bill), Annette Jacobs (Brian), Mike Bergman (Kristi), Jill Bergman (Marc), and Kristen Mata (Bob); and his grandchildren Michael Kavoukas, Matthew Kavoukas, and Nikkolas Bergman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emma and LeRoy Bergman; his sister, Dolores Koenig; and his former wife Jane Hansen (Mary Jane Mazanti), the mother of his children.
Don Bergman was a Marine, a merchant, a civic leader, and a man who gave himself fully to his family and community. His love, his laughter, and his legacy live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Stratford Evans Funeral Home in Merced, California. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance of a man whose greatest gift was the love, kindness, and generosity he shared so freely with everyone around him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Don’s memory to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Merced County, an organization whose mission of supporting and advocating for children reflected values that were deeply important to him.
“A life well lived is not measured by its length, but by the love it held, the hands it lifted, and the joy it left behind.”
