Bernard S. Bergman

Bernard S. “Bernie” Bergman, 91, of Leominster, Massachusetts, died peacefully on March 26, 2026, surrounded by family. He is predeceased by his wife, Joanne Ciccolini Skinner, and his first wife, Rosemary (Brown) Bergman, with whom he had four children. He was predeceased by his brother, Albert Bergman, and sister, Selma B. Totino.

Bernie was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, on March 31st, 1934, the son of Jacob Bergman and Frieda (Gottesfurcht) Bergman of Fitchburg and Brooklyn, New York, respectively.

Bernie graduated from Fitchburg High School, where he played football for the Red and Gray, a time he remembered with great fondness.

After high school, he entered the United States Marine Corps, serving proudly during the Korean War. A highlight of his time in the Marines was the year he spent playing baseball in Japan. Bernie’s wartime diplomacy skills were bound up in his love for and ability to play the game: he was a great sport and an even better first baseman.

After serving honorably in the Marines, Bernie attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Bernie managed his studies while working part-time flipping burgers and helping raise the first two of his four children, both of whom were born in nearby Northampton.

Bernie became a career accountant, working for others for many years before attending Bentley College, where he studied for and later became a Certified Public Accountant. After earning the CPA designation, he worked for himself, taking on the tax needs of individuals, families and small businesses.

At work, Bernie was a handshake kind of guy, preferring a friendly IOU to an organized system of billing. If a client needed a break, he gave it; if they couldn’t pay, it was pay what and when you can or better yet, forget about it. He was not above yelling at procrastinators who washed up at the 11th hour. Those who were lucky to know him knew well the kindness beneath his gruff tax season demeanor.

Bernie’s love of and participation in sports was enduring. Among them, golf held a special place—not just for the game itself but for the solace he found walking the course. At Grandview Golf Course in Leominster, where he played for many years, Bernie celebrated a memorable highlight: scoring a hole-in-one.

He remained active in the game throughout his life, playing tournaments at Monoosnock Country Club well into his 80s.

Bernie enjoyed Gershwin and, for many years, a good cigar. He loved the news, the first crocuses, his daily walks and his children, for whom he did his absolute best.

Bernie is survived by his children, Sydney H. (Bergman) Walsh of Fitchburg; David J. Bergman of Staten Island, New York; Jonah S. Bergman and daughter-in-law Rhodora B. (Kibigting) Bergman of New York, New York; Beth (Bergman) Nakamura and son-in-law Motoya Nakamura of Portland, Oregon; Nicholas Rossetti of Fitchburg; Michael Rossetti and daughter-in-law Mary Jean Rossetti of Fairport, New York; Barbara A. Ciccolini of Leominster; Louis R. Ciccolini Jr. and daughter-in-law Amanda J. (Thompson) Ciccolini of Leominster. He leaves several grandchildren, Nicole M. Rossetti of Leominster; Kevin R. Dempsey of Wilton, New Hampshire; Aklra J. Nakamura and Mikio E. Nakamura of Portland, Oregon; Louis R. Ciccolini III and Luca Ciccolini of Leominster. He leaves a great-grandchild, Gunnar K. Dempsey of Wilton, New Hampshire.

Calling hours will be held May 15 from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Richardson Funeral Home in Leominster. Burial with military honors immediately following in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Requiescat in pace, Dad. Semper Fi.

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