JEFFREY BERGEN Obituary

BERGEN--Jeffrey, a tireless champion of American Art, passed away on March 13, 2024 at age 71. Jeffrey was born on January 14, 1953, along with his identical twin brother Jonathan, to Pearl and Sidney Bergen. In 1976 Jeffrey started working as the third generation of ACA Galleries, and in 2001 he became Chairman. ACA Galleries was founded in 1932 by Jeffrey's great-uncle, Herman Baron, and continues to be a pioneer in bringing progressive American art to the attention of the public. Known for his laid-back style he represented an era gone by with absolute integrity: where a handshake and a promise were the only contracts necessary. In 1982 he established the ACA American Indian Arts Gallery on Madison Avenue and in 1992 opened a branch in Munich, Germany dedicated to introducing the highest level of American art to European audiences. A deep thinker and philosopher, he studied metaphysics throughout his life. Jeffrey's passions spanned many areas including a deep commitment to philanthropy; he continued the gallery's tradition of supporting socially responsible causes through art. Devoted husband and father, Jeffrey is survived by his wife Dorian; sons, Casey and Vaughn. A memorial service in May will be announced.

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Published by New York Times on Mar. 17, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for JEFFREY BERGEN

8 Entries

Bonnie Lautenberg

January 28, 2025

I met Jeffrey through the art world because my dad, Mike Steinberg, purchased a Stuart Davies painting from Jeff´s dad at ACA Gallery which was eventually purchased back from my family years later and the purchasers donated the painting to the Boston Museum of fine arts. I met Jeffrey over these many years, he was a lovely guy and i am so sorry to read this news about his passing. My sincerest condolences to his wife and children. Bonnie Lautenberg

Nira Levine

Planted Trees

Sugar Barry

May 9, 2024

Dear Dorian,
I have just received your announcement of services for Jeff. I am very sad to miss this tribute and wish to send my sympathy and prayers for peace and comfort, with kind thoughts and fond memories.

Sugar Barry

Jeff was one of my favorite exhibitors.

Edward Pratt

May 9, 2024

Dorian l would like to give my condolences to you and your family.

John French

May 9, 2024

I met Jeffrey and his brother John on Fire Island in August 1965. We instantly connected over our love of rock n roll. . We all played guitar, traded guitars and amplifiers and morphed many times between local bands.
In 1967 we all attended Shaker Village Work Group in Pittsfield MA and continued our friendship through his brother John´s passing. We have been upper west side neighbors for over 65 years. I spent many great times at Jeffrey´s parent´s apartment on Central Park West.
Condolences to Dorian, Vaughn and Casey
Great memories of Jeffrey will stay with me forever

Linnea Koster

April 11, 2024

For Dorian, Vaughn, Casey, all family and friends, please, accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathies. I am so very, very sorry for your loss.

Jeffrey and I met with my husband, and, friends, decades ago. Jeffrey has always been a good friend and a mischievous, light-bearing Soul. For those who were blessed to have known Jeffrey, aside from his being a very knowledgeable and gifted businessman in the world of Fine Art, he was always filled with and shared light, bits of important, serious knowledge, humour, laughter, and kindness.

On my visits to The ACA Gallery in NYC, Jeffrey and I discussed many things - our shared interests, covering a broad range of topics - including, but not limited to, art, metaphysics, physics, philanthropy, and, more. We had wonderful conversations and It was always a delight to see him and Dorian.

I remember attending a party that Dorian and Jeffrey hosted at their apartment. A lovely, fun-filled evening with beautiful friends, great conversation, warmth, goodness and joy. Wonderful memories to cherish.

The last time at The ACA Gallery in NYC, somehow, our conversation moved to when Jeffrey and Dorian first met - Jeffrey said that he and Dorian initially saw one other while still quite young, waiting to take the trains to the East End of Long Island, and, if I recall correctly, love at first sight. As he told his story, Jeffrey was clearly very proud of all that the gifted Dorian is and does - friend, wife, mother, highly talented Art World business lady - sharing visions and dreams - with their also talented sons, Vaughn and Casey, following in their footsteps. Jeffrey's face was lit up with his pride and happiness when he was sharing their history - he clearly loves each of them very, very much. I can still see him, in "my mind's eye," when we had that chat - he was radiant. Jeffrey and his family are true jewels - some of the nicest people one could ever hope to meet. He will be greatly missed.

For Dorian, Vaughn, Casey, and family, for all concerned - may you be strengthened to bear the grief and sadness, may you find peace, may the love and lovely memories of times shared with Jeffrey, comfort and console each of you. Jeffrey is a very special Soul, and, now, as J. Krishnamurti said of his brother, when Nitya passed - "Now, he is not just in one place, he is everywhere."

Many, many blessings to you Jeffrey, and, much much gratitude. May God, peace and harmony be with you forever, may you be surrounded by angels, and, may we all meet again. You helped make this world a better place.

Mara Sfara

Planted Trees

Jacaeber Kastor

March 24, 2024

Having met Jeffrey only recently, I cannot attest to a seasoned familiarity, but in the short time I spent with him and his great buddy Josh, I was deeply impressed by his expansive viewpoint , and the youthful enthusiasm for the art we were discussing. What a fine person. My condolences to his family and close friends.

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