Samuel Bergman

Samuel Bergman,79, of Hancock, Maine passed away on April 2nd, 2024, at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, following a long battle of illness.

Sam was born on April 26th, 1944, in Burlington, VT. He was the son of George and Molly (Perelman) Bergman, of Burlington VT. He grew up in Burlington, VT but moved to Boston to attend MIT. He graduated from MIT in 1967. Political action was very important to Sam. He was actively involved in the anti-war movement of the 1960's. He is pictured in The Walker Report "Rights in Conflict" during the riots 1968 Democratic Convention as a "Hippie Medic." This experience solidified his decision to attend Medical School. Sam worked for a year as a substitute geometry teacher in Chelsea, Massachusetts while preparing to apply to med school. While in Chelsea he became involved in CHOICE; "Chelsea Organization to Improve Community Education". It was there he met the love of his life, Irene Melamed of Chelsea, Mass, a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts in Boston. They quickly fell in love after meeting in July of 1969, were engaged by Thanksgiving and married in February of 1970 the following year.

Sam enrolled in Boston University School of Medicine in September 1970. Despite the difficulties of medical school, he and Irene continued their political activities. They lived communally in Allston, Mass. for 4 years of med school - moving to Worchester, Mass. for internships and residency in family practice at UMass Medical School in Worchester, Mass. After residency Sam and Irene moved to Cavendish, VT. to serve in the US Public Health Service. They moved to Duxbury, VT. to allow Irene to go to Graduate School (MSW). There Sam began his career as an emergency room doctor in small community hospitals throughout New England.

Sam and Irene lived briefly in Connecticut where their eldest child, Robert was born in 1982. The family then moved to Brattleboro, VT. where their youngest child, Alli, was born in 1989. While there Sam worked in the ER in Keene, NH., Greenfield Mass., and Brattleboro, VT. The family loved life in Brattleboro. It was a wonderful community to raise their children and follow their political passions.

Robert shared that his dad Sam was an avid hockey dad, traipsing all over New England and New York to his hockey games and supporting him in his endeavors. He also served as the team doctor. One of Robs fondest memories later in life, was his dad being able to see Rob come full circle in his hockey run, sitting front row watching him win a state title as a high school hockey coach in the state of Maine. He will always remember his dad's selflessness and ability to put everyone above himself for the greater good of humanity.

Alli shared that her and her dad Sam were "like father, like daughter." Often appearing unemotional to the world but big softies to those that knew their hearts. Both being masters of researching any topic on the internet and two people that were quote "never wrong" because they had already done the study to back up their points. Sam instilled peace and fairness in Alli, amongst his other beliefs such as Universal Healthcare for all. Alli will honor his legacy by spreading information about her dad's desire for a more peaceful earth. She is proud to have given Sam his first grandchild Aaliyah, in 2009 and will cherish the memories of her father for the rest of her life.

Irene shared her amazement that Sam in his later years showed a totally different side of himself as he joined the Guilbert & Sullivan Society of Maine and performed in Pirates of Penzance HMS Pinafore and Iolanthe. Seeing him on stage and watching his passion for performance warmed her heart.

Sam was predeceased by his mother Molly (Perelman) Bergman, Father George Bergman, and sister Betty Levin.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife Irene (Melamed) Bergman, son Robert Bergman & fiancé Hannah Cook of Sarasota, Florida, Daughter Alli Bergman of Fredericksburg, Virginia and granddaughter Aaliyah Williams of Fort Worth, Texas. Also surviving are his brother & sister-in-law David & Kathy Melamed of Gilbert Arizona, brother-in-law Amos Levin of Newton, Mass. and many cousins, nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Sam requested a Green Burial. He was dressed in a simple shroud and pine box at Cedar Grove Burial Ground in Limington, Maine on April 8th, 2024, before the historic solar eclipse surrounded by his immediate family. There will be no funeral, but the family will have a celebration of his life later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a progressive cause of your choice.