Robert Nelson "Bob" Bergeron

1929 - 2025

Robert "Bob" Nelson Bergeron, a decorated Marine and lifelong public servant, passed away on August 12, 2025, at the age of 95. He was born in October 1929, in Saugerties, New York, to Eugene Addison Bergeron and Florence Unk Ricketson.
Bob graduated from Somers Central High School in Somers, New York, and shortly after, in October 1948, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. His distinguished military career began at boot camp in Parris Island, South Carolina, and led him to assignments in China and the Philippines. A veteran of the Korean War, Bob was wounded while serving with "D" Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, during the battles in Hellfire Valley and the Chosin Reservoir, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1960 as a Staff Sergeant. A memorable moment for Bob was reuniting with the Navy medic who saved his life in Korea, Vlad "Bill" Wolodarsky from Calgary, B.C. They met at an annual 49th Marines Marine Ball in Mission, British Columbia. Vlad had kept Bob's dog tag for all those years. Bob, Vlad and other Marines were also honored for their service at a South Korean Consulate award ceremony in Mission, B.C
After his military service, Bob joined the Albany, New York Police Department.. He also served in the Coast Guard Reserve, which led him to Kodiak, Alaska for positions in law enforcement and maintenance inspector for various Alaskan Coast Guard outposts.
Later in life, Bob moved to Washington State, where he settled and worked as a builder and contractor. He volunteered on the board of the ARC of Kitsap County and helped build a camp for the ARC of Kitsap-Jefferson County in Lake Leland, Jefferson County. During this time he met his longtime partner, Cathy Wright. They spent his remaining years together on Hood Canal in the Port Ludlow area. Bob and Cathy enjoyed traveling throughout the United States in their RV, and traveling to various reunions with the Subic Bay Marines and the 1st Marine Association in San Diego.
Bob was a talented woodworker and carpenter, creating many pieces of furniture and art frames. He was also a music enthusiast who especially loved Big Band music and enjoyed attending concerts in the Seattle and Peninsula areas. An active member of his community, he volunteered on the remodel of the Quilcene Community Center. He was a member of numerous veteran associations, including the 1st Marine Division Association, the Marine Corps League, the V.F.W., the American Legion, the Chosin Few, and the Korean War Veteran's Association on the Olympic Peninsula.
Bob leaves his son Harvey Surrena and wife Miros; his daughter, Mischelle Smith and husband Dennis; his brother, Lance Bergeron and wife Patricia; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his partner, Cathy Wright, and her entire family who loved Bob and will dearly miss him.
Bob's family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Jamestown Clinic in Sequim, WA for their wonderful care of Bob through many years.
A Celebration of Life will be held October 11, 2025, at the Port Ludlow Beach Club in Port Ludlow, WA.