Eugene "Gene" Michael Bergin, 78, of Palm Coast, passed away Sunday morning, February 27, 2011. A memorial service will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Bunnell on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 10am. Gene was born on May 8, 1932 in Unionville, CT, to Michael Bergin and Anna (Drziedzic) Bergin. The family later moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where Gene became a star running back at Hartford Public High School. He helped the Owls football team win the State Championship in 1949 and was honored with selection to All State. In 1950, as catcher for the Owls baseball team, he led that team to a State Championship, as well. Gene was inducted into the HPHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. After high school, Gene began a racing career that lasted nearly three decades. Although best known for his accomplishments on the New England modified racing circuit, he competed in nearly every form of oval track racing including Grand National and Indy car events, sprint cars, midgets, and open-competition on paved and dirt tracks from Maine to Florida. Throughout his racing career, he was known for his raw talent and hard-charging style, which made him very popular with racing fans all along the East Coast. In 1951, he married Marie Lucienne (Lucy) Lemire. They had four children: John lives in Maryland, Dianne Stevenson resided in Connecticut until her death in 1994, Guy (Skip) and Gene both reside in Palm Coast. Gene is survived by eight grandchildren; McKenzie, Courtney, Elizabeth, Christina, Eugene, Valerie, Gregory, and Stephanie. Gene and Lucy brought their family to Palm Coast in October 1988 where they operated a successful lawn service for many years serving private and commercial customers throughout Palm Coast. They remained happily married until Lucy passed away in February 2003. Gene loved all sports and was an avid golfer. In his retirement, he played often, joining other retired racing drivers and local friends for an afternoon on the links. He also traveled back to Connecticut frequently to visit his many friends there. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary Church, 89 St. Mary's Place, Bunnell, FL 32110 or Florida Hospital HospiceCare, 770 West Granada Blvd, Suite 304, Ormond Beach, FL 32129.
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I always liked.Gene as a I went a lot years ago I will never forget the race at Waterford when he spun out they didn't throw the yellow so he walked on the track to get a yellow the the troopers started chasing him what a nite I really miss him and all those great drivers back then
Charles Harkness
March 1, 2024
GENE WAS MY FAVORITE DRIVER FROM THE FIRST RACE I SAW. I HAVE COLLECTED MANY RACING PHOTOS OF GENE AND HIS RIDES. RIP
FRED CIAVOLA
Other
February 26, 2024
Remembering the Bergins at Palm Coast back in the 90s and 00s..Gene would talk with my Dad for hours about the good ole days back in Ct. and Mass....My Dad passed in 2005, while Gene lived on for a number of years afterwards.....I am writing this as a remembrance to the Bergins, people who I remember enjoying life.....The Bergins will live forever, let's not forget them.....With respect, admiration and love, Peter Ort, still in Palm Coast.
Pete Ort
February 22, 2022
Gene Bergin was my Uncle he was married to my Dad's half sister Lucy Lemire. When I was young we would go on vaction to Hartford to visit with my grandparents and would go to Riverside Raceway to see him race. I just found out today that he had died.
Fred Lemire
May 1, 2011
The Greatest Uncle any kid who loved race cars could have. Uncle Gene was and always will be one of the biggest heroes in my life. Joey Lemire
Joe Lemire
May 1, 2011
A friend for many years and my hero. Skip Matczak
Skip Matczak
April 11, 2011
RIP Gene. one of the great drivers.
john osullivan
March 27, 2011
the AJ FOYT of new england racers. a pleasure to watch, talk to, and become a friend with. I AM saddened by this news...gene was so special in so many ways. HE will never be forgotten in my eyes. My thoughts and prayers go to his family. Memories...how many he gave us...R.I.P.
ALAN RODONIS
March 8, 2011
RIP Gene,you were one of the best drivers in New England.
Ed Duncan
March 7, 2011
Our thought's and prayer's are with the family during this time of loss.Gene brought me much joy.R.I.P.
Mike Ray
March 7, 2011
RIP gene one of my heros and a great person he will be missed Our prayers are with his family
Clyde McLeod
March 5, 2011
We will always have the great memories of the family when we were all together. We will always love you and will miss you Gene.
Penny Migryt
March 5, 2011
Tom Ormsby
March 4, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mark DiBella
March 4, 2011
To the Bergin family: May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. To Gene: Thank you for all the great times and memories that will help keep a smile on my face. R I P.
Kathy Giacheri
March 4, 2011
Tom Ormsby
March 4, 2011
Tom Ormsby
March 4, 2011
Tom Ormsby
March 4, 2011
Tom Ormsby
March 4, 2011
Tom Ormsby
March 4, 2011
Tom Ormsby
March 4, 2011
Tom Ormsby
March 4, 2011
Tom Ormsby
March 4, 2011
Tom Ormsby
March 4, 2011
Tom Ormsby
March 4, 2011
Rest In Peace My Friend
Tom Ormsby
SpeedwayLineReport.com
Tom Ormsby
March 4, 2011
Have not seen Gene in years, but as kids we were a tight group that hung out. As we grew we were so proud his achievements. He was a great guy and friend. God Bless him.
Anne Morin
March 4, 2011
It's not often when your HERO also becomes your FRIEND. I will always cherish the fun times we had away from the track,and never forget the thrill of watching Gene do magic behind the wheel! GOD BLESS my FRIEND R.I.P. My condolences to the family.
Ron Karto sr.
March 3, 2011
I went to high school with Gene and I remember all the good times at Riverside on saturday nights, he was a great friend and a true gentleman...God bless you Gene.....
Bill Moore
March 3, 2011
Rest in peace, Gene. I consider myself fortunate to have known you, and you had a huge impact on what I do today....
Dave Dykes
March 3, 2011
We used to watch Gene at Stafford Speedway in Ct. on dirt & asphalt when we were teens, He was one of our favorites! Around 1970 I was racing slot cars, my car was done up like the pink & white #44 coach. One night we were racing & Gene walked in, that night I met one of my all time hero's! When he spotted my car a grin from ear to ear appeared on Gene, he loved my car & I met a true nice guy. I'll never forget it. My condolences go out to Gene's family. Ron DaRos
March 3, 2011
I knew Gene back years ago when I worked for Bobby Judkins. Gene was one of the best drivers around and lots of fun to be
with. He will be sorrily missed by all that knew him and/or watched him race.
My condolences to the family and friends
of Gene. Chuck Grime.
chuck grime
March 3, 2011
To Gene's Grandaughter and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathy to you. Mrs. Dick(linda) Watson
March 3, 2011
Gene was a great racer and all around athlete as well as a good freind He will be dearly missed.rest in peace Lucy will
have her husband back.
Sonny O'Sullivan
March 3, 2011
Gene lived in the house in front of my body shop. Every morning he would come over at break time with a coffee and some racing stories. He always had great stories and always a smile on his face. Thanks for the memories
Paul Oliva
March 3, 2011
Gene was my idol as far as racing goes. I did not know him well,met him twice at NEAR HOF banquets. I have many photos and articles about his racing feats that I will always cherish. Thanks for all the memories.
Fred Ciavola
March 3, 2011
A sad day for those of us that knew him.
Gene was a very dear friend and we will miss him. He was one of the GREATS in auto racing and a gentleman too. Finally he gets to join his wife who he missed so much.
RIP Gene it was an honor and a privilege to know you.
Denny Zimmerman
March 3, 2011
I had the pleasure of knowing Gene for several years when he owned his garage in Enfield, Ct. He became a great friend and golf companion. He's in a better place now, and together with his beloved Lucy. God bless you.
Bobby Thomas
Bobby Thomas
March 3, 2011
Larry Larivee
March 3, 2011
Larry Larivee
March 3, 2011
Gene was my best friend.It was a real struggle to watch his life slowly leave his body in the last few months.I know he is happy now that he is with his beloved (MOMMY) Lucy. He missed her so much. May God bless you, Gene ,my friend.
March 3, 2011
Gene, I was glad to have met you at the Modified Reunions and it was a thrill to get to know you. Rest in Peace..
Larry Larivee
March 3, 2011
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