Obituary for Donald H. Bergren
OWLS HEAD - Donald H. Bergren, 98, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on October 21st, 2020. He was born April 5th, 1922, in St. George, ME, the son of Rudolph and Ivy (Bulmer) Bergren.
He accomplished many things in life and although he was blind for 52 years, he never met an obstacle he could not overcome. Donald was a familiar sight in town, walking from Owls Head to Rockland with his guiding-eye dog by his side. Even after the loss of his eyesight he used his masonry skills to build many stone walls and a full chimney, always determined to complete the task at hand.
On December 16th, 1944, he married the love of his life, Cora Guptill, a union that held true over 75 years. They lived together in Owls Head where they raised their sons, John and Donald “Tink” Bergren.
Donald was a WWII veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor. His experiences that day have been captured in many news articles over the years by local and regional papers. He was always proud to share his experience in fighting back against the attack on that Day of Infamy.
He worked hard his entire life, starting early alongside his father in the quarries. Eventually he transitioned to the shipyard and ultimately found a home at F.J. O’Hara’s where he retired as Port Engineer. After retirement, Donald was involved in local civic and social activities. He was a ‘Life Member’ of the Rockland Lodge of Elks, a member of the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No.1, and active in the Lions Club.
A man known most of his life for his grit and determination, he would readily admit having his heart stolen by his grandchildren. He loved playing with them, swimming alongside them, and grinning ear to ear as they did their best to play tricks on him.
Donald is survived by his wife, Cora (Guptill); Son, John and wife Karen Bergren; Grandchildren, Corrie and Joe Piepiora, Josh and Sheila Bergren; Great Grandchildren, Lydia and Susanna Bergren and Isabelle Piepiora. He is also survived by Nieces and Nephews, Donald Holmstrom, Diane Linscott, Brenda Woodcock, Glenn Bergren, Marsha Guptill, Walter Guptill, Heidi Bleggie, Jane Vesper, Brett Seymour, and many Great-Nieces and Nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; Son, Donald “Tink” Bergren; Brothers, Harold and Bernard; Sister, Edith Holmstrom; and Niece, Judy Royce.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, October 29, 2020, at Achorn Cemetery, Old County Road, Rockland. Social distancing and face covering mandates will be followed. Family seating will be limited. Attendees requiring seating should consider bringing their own. Life webcast of the service may be viewed at www.bchfh.com>Donald Bergren Obituary>Photos and Videos>View Live Webcast. To leave a message or condolence for Donald’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.
While flowers are welcome, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, or by visiting donate.guidingeyes.org.
He accomplished many things in life and although he was blind for 52 years, he never met an obstacle he could not overcome. Donald was a familiar sight in town, walking from Owls Head to Rockland with his guiding-eye dog by his side. Even after the loss of his eyesight he used his masonry skills to build many stone walls and a full chimney, always determined to complete the task at hand.
On December 16th, 1944, he married the love of his life, Cora Guptill, a union that held true over 75 years. They lived together in Owls Head where they raised their sons, John and Donald “Tink” Bergren.
Donald was a WWII veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor. His experiences that day have been captured in many news articles over the years by local and regional papers. He was always proud to share his experience in fighting back against the attack on that Day of Infamy.
He worked hard his entire life, starting early alongside his father in the quarries. Eventually he transitioned to the shipyard and ultimately found a home at F.J. O’Hara’s where he retired as Port Engineer. After retirement, Donald was involved in local civic and social activities. He was a ‘Life Member’ of the Rockland Lodge of Elks, a member of the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No.1, and active in the Lions Club.
A man known most of his life for his grit and determination, he would readily admit having his heart stolen by his grandchildren. He loved playing with them, swimming alongside them, and grinning ear to ear as they did their best to play tricks on him.
Donald is survived by his wife, Cora (Guptill); Son, John and wife Karen Bergren; Grandchildren, Corrie and Joe Piepiora, Josh and Sheila Bergren; Great Grandchildren, Lydia and Susanna Bergren and Isabelle Piepiora. He is also survived by Nieces and Nephews, Donald Holmstrom, Diane Linscott, Brenda Woodcock, Glenn Bergren, Marsha Guptill, Walter Guptill, Heidi Bleggie, Jane Vesper, Brett Seymour, and many Great-Nieces and Nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; Son, Donald “Tink” Bergren; Brothers, Harold and Bernard; Sister, Edith Holmstrom; and Niece, Judy Royce.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, October 29, 2020, at Achorn Cemetery, Old County Road, Rockland. Social distancing and face covering mandates will be followed. Family seating will be limited. Attendees requiring seating should consider bringing their own. Life webcast of the service may be viewed at www.bchfh.com>Donald Bergren Obituary>Photos and Videos>View Live Webcast. To leave a message or condolence for Donald’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.
While flowers are welcome, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, or by visiting donate.guidingeyes.org.