J. Richard Bergad

1932 - 12

J. Richard "Dick" Bergad, 77, died Tuesday, July 27, 2010, in Torrington, Conn. He was born Dec. 6, 1932, a son of the late Max M. and Lillian Fink Bergad, of Irwin. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sally Nelson Bergad. He was a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy, class of 1950. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 1954 as a first lieutenant in the Air Force ROTC Program, he went on active duty and was a member of Class 55Q. After his active duty, he returned to Pittsburgh to work as a stock broker with Moore, Leonard & Lynch for nine years. During that time, he was active in the Air Force Reserves and National Guard. In the 70s, he was active in the 732nd Squadron (RAM) at McGuire Air Force Base. He retired as a colonel in 1981 having served as squadron commander for the RAMS. On June 6, 1966, he started a new career with Pan American Airways. He left Pan Am to join United Airlines in 1986 and retired in 1998. Dick sat in all the seats on various airplanes, ending his flying days as captain of the 757/767. Dick was a member of Beth El Synagogue, the Torrington Country Club, served as president and treasurer of the Northwest CT United Jewish Appeal for 18 years and was treasurer for the Clipper Pioneers (the retirement organization of Pan Am pilots). In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Daniel Bergad and his wife, Denise, of West Orange. N.J., and Andrew Bergad, of Denver, Colo.; two granddaughters, Alethea and Callia; his sister, Barbara Eckstein, of Pittsburgh; two nephews, John and Tom Eckstein; and niece, Sue Stotsicy. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Temple Emanu-El Cemetery, Greensburg, with Rabbi Sara Perman officiating. A memorial service to celebrate Dick's life will be held in Torrington, Conn., at a later date. Alvin P. Oskin Jr., Supervisor, is in charge of arrangements for the COSHEY-NICHOLSON FUNERAL HOME INC., Greensburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either Beth El Synagogue, 124 Litchfield St., or the Warner Theatre, 68 Main St., both of Torrington, CT 06790.