1928 – 2015
Words of Remembrance for Brother Philip Bergeron, FSC
Given by Brother Michael McKenery, FSC
November 11, 2015
Mass of Christian Burial
Our Lady of the Star Chapel, Narragansett, RI
Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands” (Psalm 119)
“Always make a total effort even when the odds are against you” (Golfing great: Arnold Palmer)
While reflecting these past days on Brother Philip’s life and the many accomplishments and challenges of his life, it was clear to me that my opening quotes should define him simply and clearly as a man who lived his life as a Brother of the Christian Schools with faithfulness, and a commitment and willingness to be of service to others.
Brother Philip entered the novitiate of the Brothers of the Christian Schools at Barrytown, New York in 1945, shortly after his graduation from La Salle Academy in Providence, Rhode Island. He earned both a Bachelors and Master’s degree in English from Manhattan College. His active ministry as a Brother began in a number of the elementary and secondary schools of the then New York District of the Brothers. In 1958, shortly after the beginning of the LI-NE District, he was assigned to La Salle Military Academy where he was highly regarded as teacher, prefect and coach of the award winning speech and debate team. He returned to his alma mater in 1967 and ministered and resided there to his final days.
I had the happy privilege of living in community with Brother Philip for fourteen years. Our conversations were always about sports, films, theatre and especially the La Salle Teams. On Sundays, after returning from Mass at our local parish, he would ask if I was making breakfast -and what would I be making. Sometimes it was waffles or pancakes, and quite often it was a New York style crumb cake, which was one of his favorites.
He lived his commitment to the Brothers of the Christian Schools with dedication and creativity. He was frequently teaching himself and others new ways of doing things and accomplishing goals that he set for himself as a Brother, a teacher, a speech and debate coach, a videographer, and always exploring ways of being of service to others, quietly and without fanfare.
When I was speaking with a recent graduate of La Salle Academy, he acknowledged that he did not know Brother Philip. When I mentioned that Brother Philip was the Brother who was frequently putting golf balls in front of the grotto, he knew immediately who Brother was. Brother Philip was a golfer who enjoyed both the friendships of the sport and the necessary skills required to be a good golfer.
Yes, he was a good Golfer. But I prefer to remember him as a good and faithful Brother, and as a dedicated and skilled teacher. His final days were difficult for him, for his family, and for all those whose lives he touched with Jesus who lived in his heart every day of his life as a Brother of the Christian Schools.
Our lives have all been blessed!
Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever!
Please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Brother Philip Bergeron, FSC
Born Philip John Bergeron in Providence, RI, on March 22, 1928
Entered the Barrytown, NY, Novitiate on June 27, 1945
Received the Religious Habit and Name, Brother Bertin Philip, on September 7, 1945
Pronounced Perpetual Vows in Troy, NY, on August 1, 1953.
Br. Philip died in the Brothers’ Community, La Salle Academy, Providence, RI, on November 5, 2015
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Viewing from 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Christian Brothers Center Community (Blue Room)
635 Ocean Road
Narragansett, RI 02882-1314
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Viewing in the Blue Room from 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am
Our Lady Star of the Sea Chapel
Christian Brothers Center
635 Ocean Road
Narragansett, RI 02882-1314
Burial in Brothers’ cemetery
Lunch following
SUFFRAGES FOR OUR DECEASED BROTHER PHILIP:
District: 100 masses
La Salle Academy community: 30 masses
Each community in the District: 1 mass
Brother Philip passed away unexpectedly in the community during the afternoon. May he rest in peace.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1949-1952
teacher
New York, NY
Incarnation School
1952-1953
teacher
New York, NY
Holy Name School
1953-1958
teacher
New York, NY
La Salle Academy
1958-1966
teacher
Oakdale, NY
La Salle Military Academy
1966-1967
teacher
Brooklyn, NY
Bishop Loughlin HS
1967-2001
teacher
Providence, RI
La Salle Academy
2001-2015
in residence
Providence, RI
La Salle Academy
He was so special. He was “the light” of our family. He played 36 holes of golf until age 80, then reduced it to 9. Amazing stamina, alway ready with a “story” of our good ole days. He will be truly missed. Love you Phil…sister-in-law Dolores Casey Bergeron,
I was at LSA late eighties and he ran the campus bookstore at the time. I would often stop by and he was always cheerful & pleasant; and always had a word of advice ready for you. I’ve thought about him thru the years, and it saddens me to hear of his passing. Peace upon his family & friends. Rest well, Brother Phillip