William J. Bergen

1949 - 2025

William “Bill” Joseph Bergen left this world, his beloved family, and his good friends, neighbors, and co-workers on Saturday, September 20, 2025. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife and family.

First, foremost, and always, he loved God, Our Blessed Mother, his Catholic faith, family, animals, and helping others. Bill was at his best when helping others—he would give his last if someone needed it. Bill was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He loved his wife and his dogs deeply. 

Born on December 14, 1949, in Philadelphia, PA, Bill grew up in Drexel Hill. He graduated from Lower Merion High School, then attended Drexel 
University, and ultimately earned a master’s degree from Penn State University's Great Valley campus.

For over 40 years, Bill dedicated his career as a database administrator, using his expertise in data management, computer programming, and analytical thinking to monitor, automate, and tune high-availability systems. He spent over a decade supporting Penn Medicine, part of the 
University of Pennsylvania Health System. Beyond his work in information management, Bill was an adjunct professor who developed and taught graduate and undergraduate courses in data science, management, analytics, statistics, and linear programming at local universities, including Temple, Drexel, La Salle, and Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) in New Jersey. He taught both face-to-face and online with passion and dedication. 

Bill’s lifelong passion for IndyCar and Formula 1 auto racing reflected his love for speed, precision, and complex strategy—qualities that also defined his approach to solving data problems and creating programs that automated processes. Whether following a race or tackling a challenging project, Bill thrived on the thrill of finding solutions and mastering every detail. 

He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife, Dr. Sherri Bergen; his dogs Bear and Podge and Chinchilla, his sons, William and Timothy Bergen; his sister-in-law, Vida Butler; his niece, Rise Gravely, his nephew Robert H. Gravely, III, great nieces and nephews; his goddaughters, Aimee and Bradyn "Lady B" O'Donnell; the Kolins family, and so many great and supportive friends God blessed him with. 

Relatives and friends are invited on Monday September 29th, Visitation from 9 to 10 AM followed by Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Dorothy Church, 4910 Township Line Rd., Drexel Hill, PA 19026.  Burial will follow in Laurel Hill East Cemetery, Philadelphia PA.