Joseph J. Bergan

Joseph J. Bergan, 85, of Oak Ridge Estates, Mount Carmel, a former proud resident of Centralia, passed on Wednesday morning, July 2, 2025 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on November 24, 1939, at the former Ashland State General Hospital, the son of Francis X. and Mary (Puketza) Bergan of Centralia.

Joe attended Conyngham Township schools.

He retired as a tractor-trailer driver from International Paper in Mount Carmel Township after a 35-year career that began when the company was known as Cardinal Container.

On May 29, 1971, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, he married his loving wife of fifty-four years, Eileen M. Nashlenas, who will deeply miss him.

Joe was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and of the Catholic faith. He was a life member of the Mount Carmel Knights of Columbus Council #628 having proudly attained the Fourth Degree. He was a member of the former Centralia Legion and several other fraternal organizations in the area. He was also a proud member of Teamsters Local 429.

He enjoyed the simple things in life like sitting on his porch and spending time with his family and friends. Joe was an avid Penn State, Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan. He enjoyed playing golf, shuffleboard and could always be counted on for a game of Gin with a winning hand. Above all else, he treasured the time spent with his family and was especially devoted and proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving in addition to his loving wife, Eileen M. Bergan are his three children, son, Christopher Bergan and his wife Deanna of Indiana; two daughters, Kelly Jo Tamanini and her husband Bill of Mount Carmel and Eileen Evert and her husband Scott of Elysburg; five grandchildren, Laura Simmons and her husband Bill of North Carolina, Joe Bergan of Mississippi, Eddie Grego of Bloomsburg, Michael Evert of Elysburg and Madelyn Evert of Elysburg; three great-grandchildren, Tommy and Lucas Simmons, and Emma Rae Bergan; one brother, Francis Bergan of Oak Ridge Estates; one sister, Kathryn Brennan of Hatboro; one brother-in-law, Frank Nashlenas and his wife Pat of North Carolina; one sister-in-law, Kathy Lutz and her husband Ken of Mount Carmel; nieces, nephews with their families, cousins, many friends and his beloved dog, “Sparky Jo”.

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were one brother, William Bergan; one sister, Ann “Nancy” Brennan; and his dog, “Mojo”.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 47 S. Market St, Mount Carmel with Very Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Karwacki, Pastor as the celebrant. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, Bear Gap. A visitation will be held on Monday morning from 9:00 am until 10:45 am at the Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home, 40 S. Market St., Mount Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz III, Supervisor. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to Mommy And Me Animal Rescue, 610 East Fifth Street, Mount Carmel, PA 17851. To offer condolences to Joe’s family, please sign the guestbook below.