New York, New York
Finding a New Bond
On holidays, John P. Bergin wasn't just the turkey carver. He prepared the entire turkey. "He was good old Martha Stewart with the cheesecloth," his wife, Madeline, said. "We're going to starve without him."
Mr. Bergin, 39, honed his cooking while working as a firefighter, first with the No. 6 truck in Manhattan and more recently with Rescue Company 5. At home on Staten Island he took up other domestic chores. He changed diapers for three children and coached their teams. With his co-workers' help, he put a swimming pool in the backyard; beside it stood a beer tap, his prized possession. Most recently, he and a partner had bought a local bar, the Grand City Tavern. On Sept. 11, renovations were two weeks away from completion.
"They did everything together," Mrs. Bergin said of her husband and the other firefighters. Now, she and 10 other wives of men from his firehouse who were lost in the attack are carrying on the tradition, albeit more somberly. "We just started counseling together," she said. "We've become very close. How the guys shared a bond — now we share a bond."
John, Thank you. You are remembered. And your life, your courage, and your sacrificed, celebrated. May God bless your family and friends with peace and comfort. And may memories of you provide laughter and smiles to those who miss you most.
Thankful American
September 11, 2024
Praying for the family left behind in 2022.
Steven Dube
September 11, 2022 | Work
Remembering John on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Cindy Roe
September 01, 2021
I participated in the 2015 Oklahoma City Stair Climb and was honored to represent Firefighter John P. Bergin, Rescue 5, and Firefighter Calixto Anaya Jr., Engine 4, as I carried their name tags up the 110 flights of stairs. I remembered them as I participated in the 2019 OKC Stair Climb and was honored to add Port Authority Officer Ferdinand Morrone's name to the list of brave men I have represented. WE ( I ) WILL NEVER FORGET
Jeff Dean
September 11, 2019 | Oklahoma City, OK
In lasting memory of a fine New Yorker. Rest well
July 06, 2019
To all the people who continue to keep John's memory alive, we are truly grateful. It means so much to my family especially my children. We are humbled by your kindness...through the years we have met many who have walked or climbed in John's name and we are truly amazed by this...Thank you seems to be too small of a word...
Madeline Bergin
September 20, 2017
Still it hurts to see the young lives wasted on that horrible day. We will never forget the friends and family of heroes like John. Praying for you today. With love from Texas,
Del Newberry
September 19, 2017 | Garland, TX
Thank you for lending me your strength and courage today.
G. Bryan
November 06, 2013 | TX
I climbed 110 flights of stairs wearing your picture on my badge at the San Diego Fireman's Relief Association 9/11 Stair Climb. We wore full Fireman's gear. You will live on any many hearts forever.
Firefighter g LaMantia
G LaMantia
September 13, 2013 | San Diego, CA
